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1904 

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PUBLICATION 


OF    THE 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM 


ZOOLOGICAL  SERIES 
VOL.  V. 


CHICAGO,  U.  S.  A. 
1904 


THE 


FRESH-WATER   FISHES 


OF 


MEXICO  NORTH  OF  THE 
ISTHMUS  OF  TEHUANTEPEC 


BY 


SETH   EUGENE    MEEK,  PH.D. 
Assistant  Curator  of  Department 


ZOOLOGICAL  SERIES 
VOL.  V. 


CHICAGO,  U.  S.  A. 

I  ^Wt/^D 

SEP  23  1904 


•  5 

PREFACE 
•2  


The  following  paper  is  based  largely  on  two  collections  of  fishes, 
the  first  being  made  by  the  writer  and  Mr.  F.  E.  Lutz,  of  the  Carnegie 
Station  for  Experimental  Evolution,  Cold  Spring  Harbor,  in  the 
spring  of  1901,  and  the  other  by  the  writer  during  February,  March, 
April,  and  May,  1903.  Through  the  courtesy  of  Dr.  Barton  W. 
Evermann,  assistant  in  charge  of  Scientific  Inquiry,  United  States 
Bureau  of  Fisheries,  I  have  had  at  my  disposal  two  small  collections 
made  by  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson,  one  from  the  Rio  Balsas  and  the  other 
from  the  Rio  Soto  la  Marina.  Dr.  W.  L.  Tower,  of  the  University 
of  Chicago,  also  placed  at  my  disposal  a  collection  of  fishes  made  by 
him  at  Rio  Verde,  San  Luis  Potosi.  In  January,  1903,  in  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.,  Dr.  Richard  Rathbun,  Assistant  Secretary  of  the  Smith- 
sonian Institution,  and  Mr.  B.  A.  Bean,  Assistant  Curator  of  fishes 
U.  S.  National  Museum,  permitted  me  to  examine  a  large  collection 
which  formed  a  portion  of  the  Mexican  fish  exhibit  at  the  Columbian 
Exposition.  I  have  included  only  a  small  portion  of  this  collection  in 
the  following  list  because  of  the  doubtful  character  of  the  localities 
given.  To  have  included  the  entire  collection  would  have  very  much 
confused  our  study  of  geographical  distribution. 

An  account  of  the  collection  made  by  Mr.  F.  E.  Lutz  and  myself 
is  published  in  Vol.  III.  of  the  Zoological  Series  of  the  Field  Colum- 
bian Museum,  Pub.  65,  pages  63  to  128,  plates  14  to  31.  The  results 
of  the  second  expedition  are  (1903)  included  in  this  paper. 

For  assistance  while  making  the  collection  of  fishes  in  1903, 1  wish, 
on  behalf  of  the  Museum,  to  acknowledge  my  indebtedness  to  the 
following  gentlemen:  Mr.  C.  R.  Hudson  and  Mr.  A.  V.  Temple, 
of  the  Mexican  Central  R,  R. ;  Mr.  D.  W.  Harvey,  of  the  Mexican 
R.  R.;  Mr.  R.  B.  Pegram,  Mr.  F.  M.  Ames,  and  Mr.  A.  Joy, 
of  the  Vera  Cruz  &  Pacific  R.  R.;  Mr.  W.  B.  Ryan  and  Mr. 
Newbury,  of  the  Tehuantepec  R.  R. ;  Mr.  W.  L.  Morkil  and 
Mr.  E.  A.  White,  of  the  Interoceanic  R.  R. ;  Mr.  James  Parkyn, 
Treasurer  of  the  Motzorongo  Plantation;  Gaham  &  Hudson, 
Forlon,  Tamaulipas;  Mr.  D.  W.  Hedrick,  Superintendent  of  the 
Midland  Bridge  Company;  Mr  .  P.  H.  Kilpatrick,  a  contractor 
on  the  Vera  Cruz  and  Pacific  R.  R. ;  Mr.  George  Greenwood, 
Superintendent  of  the  Jalapa  Electric  Light  Company;  Mr.  R.  G. 
Ransom,  of  the  Westinghouse  Air  Brake  Company;  and  the  officials 
of  the  Atchison,  Topeka  &  Santa  Fe  R.  R.  I  would  especially  men- 
tion Mr.  E.  A.  White  for  the  personal  interest  he  took  in  this  work, 


vi  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

and  for  his  many  courtesies  which  resulted  in  considerable  substantial 
aid.  I  would  also  mention  Mr.  D.  W.  Hedrick,  who  was  superin- 
tending the  construction  of  the  bridges  along  the  Vera  Cruz  & 
Pacific  R.  R.  Mr.  Hedrick  gave  me  the  freedom  of  the  bridge 
camps,  which  proved  to  be  excellent  stopping  places  in  that  country. 
The  superintendents  of  these  camps  were  very  helpful  to  me  in  my 
work  while  there.  At  Perez  I  met  Mr.  Julius  Freisser,  formerly  a 
taxidermist  in  Chicago,  who  assisted  me  in  making  collections  of 
fishes  at  Perez,  Obispo,  and  El  Hule.  In  general  the  railroad  and 
other  employees  of  the  organizations  mentioned  above  were  very 
courteous  and  helpful  to  me  in  my  work. 

Dr.  Barton  W.  Evermann  and  Mr.  Barton  A.  Bean  have  assisted 
me  in  examining  material  in  the  U.  S.  National  Museum.  Dr.  G.  A. 
Boulenger  and  Mr.  C.  T.  Regan  have  done  the  same  in  the  British 
Museum,  Dr.  D.  S.  Jordan  in  Stanford  University,  and  Mr.  Henry 
W.  Fowler  in  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  Philadelphia.  Dr. 
Theo.  Gill,  Washington,  D.  C.,  has  kindly  called  my  attention  to 
a  few  important  references  which  I  would  have  otherwise  omitted. 
Hon.  Geo.  M.  Bowers,  United  States  Commissioner  of  Fish  and  Fish- 
eries, kindly  loaned  the  Museum  thirty-one  original  drawings  of  fishes 
for  use  in  illustrating  this  work.  Four  other  drawings  were  kindly 
loaned  by  Dr.  Richard  Rathbun.  To  Dr.  Evermann  I  am  under 
obligations  for  superintending  the  making  of  blocks  from  these  draw- 
ings, and  also  for  reading  the  proof  sheets  while  this  work  was 
going  through  the  press.  Dr.  Wm.  Owen,  of  the  University  of  Chi- 
cago, and  Prof.  H.  N.  Hoffman,  of  Indiana  University,  also  rendered 
me  valuable  service  in  correcting  the  misspelled  names  of  Rafinesque 
and  others.  Dr.  Frederick  Starr,  of  the  University  of  Chicago,  has 
also  kindly  revised  the  proof  sheets  of  this  paper  with  regard  to  the 
spelling  of  geographical  names.  I  also  desire  to  acknowledge  the 
many  courtesies  I  received  from  Hon.  Powell  Clayton,  U.  S.  Minister 
to  Mexico,  while  doing  field  work  in  Mexico  in  1901  and  1903.  In 
making  these  acknowledgments  I  wish  to  assume  responsibility  for 
whatever  errors  this  volume  may  contain. 

In  the  present  paper  it  has  been  my  purpose  to  give  a  descriptive 
list  of  the  fresh -water  fishes  of  Mexico,  and  keys  to  assist  in  identifying 
the  same.  It  is  impossible  to  draw  an  arbitrary  line  separating  the 
fresh-water  fishes  from  those  of  the  salt  water.  A  few  of  the  species 
of  Pomadasys,  Achirus,  Gobius,  and  the  like,  included  in  this  work, 
are  properly  salt-water  fishes.  I  have  listed  them  here  rather  as  fishes 
found  in  fresh  water. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  publication  I  have  examined  every 
paper  to  which  I  have  had  reference  and  access  that  throws  light  on 


PREFACE.  vii 

the  subject  in  question,  and  I  have  drawn  from  these  material  suited 
to  my  purpose.  In  the  sequence  of  the  orders  and  families  I  have  fol- 
lowed Jordan  and  Evermann  in  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  The 
sequence  of  genera  and  species  has  been  changed  whenever,  in  the 
light  of  new  information,  it  appeared  necessary.  I  have  also 
made  free  use  of  the  publication  above  mentioned  for  material 
in  the  characterization  of  orders  and  families.  A  special  effort  has 
been  made  to  bring  together,  in  as  useful  a  form  as  possible,  our  pres- 
ent knowledge  of  the  fresh-water  fishes  of  Mexico  north  of  the  Isthmus 
of  Tehuantepec.  The  study  of  this  group  of  animals  in  this  region 
is  of  especial  interest,  for  between  these  two  lines  is  the  meeting  place 
of  the  northern  and  the  tropical  faunas.  In  this  respect  these  boun- 
dary lines  are  in  a  measure  natural  ones,  because  very  few  species  of 
tropical  fishes  reach  the  northern  line,  and  but  few  northern  repre- 
sentatives are  found  farther  south  than  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec. 
In  addition  the  subject  presents  very  interesting  material  for  a  study 
in  geographical  distribution. 


ERRATA. 

Page  v,  line  33,  Gaham  should  read  Graham. 

Page  xviii,  line  g,  Steindachner  should  read  Poey. 

Page  xix,  line  5,  Steindachmer  should  read  Steindachner. 

Page  xix,  line  6,  Salmonoides  should  read  solmonoides. 

Page  xxxi,  line  49,  Cousius  should  read  Couesius. 

Page  xxxiii,  line  14,  CARMAN  should  read  CARMEN. 

Page  xxxix,  line  20,  macularis  should  read  macularius. 

Page  Hi,  line  15,  Gruelin  should  read  Gmelin. 

Page  Iviii,  line  34,  after  OR^DKRS  into,  insert  FAMILIES,  FAMILIES  into. 

Page  65,  line  28,  after  1896  .insert  ,  264. 

Page  139,  5th  line  from  bottom,  i£  should  read  if. 

Page  147,  line  2j,formostis  should  read  formosa. 

Page  162,  line  25,  Sygnathus  should  read  Syngnathus. 

Page  169,  bottom  line,  after  1900  insert  ,  152. 

Page  193,  line  26,  elder  should  read  older. 

Page  196,  line  12,  Ethostotnatinae  should  read  Etheostomatinae. 

Page  206,  line  30,  D.  xvi  should  read  dorsal  spines  16. 

Page  216,  line  12,  after  depth  insert  of  caudal  peduncle. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

Preface v 

Introduction xxv 

General  Topography  and  Hydrography  of  Mexico xxv 

Recent  Geological  Changes  in  Mexico  and  their  General  Effect  on 

the  Fish  Fauna xxvii 

List  of  Localities  in  Mexico  where  Collections  of  Fishes  were  Made 

by  F.  E.  Lutz  and  the  Author  in  1901 xxviii 

List  of  Localities  in  Mexico  where  Collections  of  Fishes  were  Made  by 

the  Author  in  1 903 xxix 

The  River  Systems  of  Mexico  and  a  List  of  Fishes  Known  from  Each .  xxx 

Rio  Grande  System xxx 

Rio  Grande  and  its  Present  Tributaries  in  Mexico xxxi 

Rio  Casas  Grandes xxxii 

Rio  Santa  Maria xxxiii 

Rio  Carmen xxxiii 

Rio  Sauz xxxiii 

Lago  de  Castillos xxxiii 

Rio  Nazas xxxiii 

Rio  Conchas  System xxxiv 

Rio  Soto  la  Marina  System xxxiv 

Rio  Panuco  System xxxvi 

Rio  Mezquital  System xxxvii 

Rio  Presidio  System xxxviii 

Rio  Yaqui  System xxxviii 

Rio  Sonora  System xxxix 

Colorado  River  System xxxix 

Lower  California xxxix 

Rio  Grande  de  Santiago  System xxxix 

Valley  of  Mexico ' xli 

Rio  San  Francisco  System xli 

Las  Lagunas  near  Vera  Cruz ,  .  . xlii 

Boca  del  Rio  System xlii 

Rio  Blanco  System xliii 

Rio   Otopa   System xliii 

Rio  Papaloapam  System xliv 

Rio  San  Geronimo  System xlv 

Rio  Tehuantepec  System xlv 

Rio  Verde  System xlv 

Rio  Balsas  System xlv 

List  of  Fishes  from  Various  Localities  not  Referable  to  any  of 

the  River  Systems  Named  Above xlvi 

Geographical  Distribution  of  Fresh-Water  Fishes  of  Mexico xlvi 

Shore  Fishes  which  have  Become  More  or  Less  Established  in  the 

Fresh  Waters  of  Mexico lii 

Game  Fishes  of  Mexico lii 

Food  Fishes  qf  Mexico .v liii 

ix 


x  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

PAGE 

Fish  Culture  in  Mexico liii 

Common  Names  of  Mexican  Fresh-Water  Fishes Iv 

Definitions  and  Explanations  of  Terms  used  in  the  Descriptions  of 

Fishes  in  this  Work Iv 

Definition  of  the  Two  Classes  of  Fishes  or  Fish-like  Vertebrates 

Inhabiting  the  Fresh  Waters  of  Mexico Ix 

Artificial  Key  to  the  Families  of  Mexican  Fresh- Water  Fishes Ix 

CLASS  I.  MARSIPOBRANCHII i 

ORDER  I.  HYPEROARTII i 

Family  I.  Petromyzontidac i 

Genus  I.  Lampetra  Gray i 

1.  spadicea  Bean 2 

CLASS  II.  PISCES 3 

ORDER  II.   RHOMBOGANOIDEA 4 

Family  II.  Lepidosteidae 4 

Genus  2.  Lepidosteus  Lacepede 5 

Subgenus  Lepidosteus  Lac6pede 5 

2.  osseus  (Linnaeus) 5 

[Subgenus  Cylindrosteus  Rafinesquc] 6 

[platystomus  Rafinesque] ' 6 

Subgenus  Atractosteus  Rafinesque 6 

3.  tristcechus  (Bloch  &  Schneider) 6 

[tropicus  (Gill)] .' 7 

ORDER  III.  NEMATOGNATHI 8 

Family  III.  Siluridae 8 

Subfamily  Tachysurinae 9 

.     Genus  3.  Galeichthys  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes 9 

4.  aguadulce  Meek    9 

Subfamily  Ichthyaelurinae   10 

Genus  4.  Ichthyaelurus  Rafinesque 10 

5.  furcatus  (Le  Sueur) 10 

6.  punctatus  (Rafinesque) 1 1 

7.  meridionalis  (Gunther)  .  . u 

Genus  5.  Amiurus  Rafinesque     12 

Subgenus  Haustor  Jordan  &  Evermann 13 

8.  australis  Meek 13 

9.  lupus  (Girard) 14 

10.  dugesi  Bean 14 

1 1 .  mexicanus  Meek 15 

12.  pricei  (Rtitter) 15 

Subgenus  Amiurus  Rafinesque 16 

13.  natalis  (Le  Sueur) 16 

Genus  6.  Istlarius  Jordan  &  Snyder 17 

14.  balsanus  Jordan  &  Snyder 17 

Genus  7.   Leptops  Rafinesque 18 

15.  olivaris  (Rafinesque) 18 

Subfamily  Pimelodinaa 19 

[Genus  Conorhynchus  Bleeker] 19 

[nelsoni  Evermann  &  Goldsborough] 19 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xi 

PAGE 

Genus  8.  Rhamdia  Bleeker 20 

1 6.  oaxacae  Meek , 20 

17.  laticauda  (Heckel) 21 

18.  brachyptera  (Cope) 21 

[wagneri  (Gunther)] 22 

19.  hypselura  (Gunther) 22 

ORDER  IV.  PLECTOSPONDYLI 24 

Family  IV.  Catostomidas 24 

Subfamily  Ichthyobinae 25 

Genus  9.  Carpiodes  Rafinesque «. 25 

20.  meridionalis  (Gunther)   26 

21.  tumidus  Baird  &  Girard 26 

2  2 .  microstomus  Meek 27 

23.  elongatus  Meek • 28 

24.  labiosus  Meek 29 

Subfamily  Catostominas 30 

Genus  10.  Pantosteus  Cope 30 

25.  plebeius  (Baird  &  Girard) 30 

Genus  1 1 .  Catostomus  Le  Sueur 31 

26.  sonorensis  Meek 32 

27.  bernardini  Girard 32 

28.  conchos  Meek 33 

Genus  12.  Xyrauchen  Eigenmann  &  Kirsch 33 

29.  cypho  (Lockington) 33 

Genus  13.  Myzostoma  Rafinesque 34 

30.  congestum  (Baird  &  Girard) 34 

3 1 .  austrinum  Bean 35 

Family  V.  Cyprinidae 36 

Subfamily  Campostomatinae 40 

Genus  14.  Campostoma  Agassiz 40 

32.  ornatum  Girard  .• 41 

33.  anomalum  (Rafinesque) : 42 

34.  formosulum  Girard 42 

Subfamily  Chondrostomatinas 43 

Genus  15.  Xystrosus  Jordan  &  Snyder 43 

35.  popoche  Jordan  &  Snyder 43 

Genus  16.  Algansea  Girard 44 

36.  tincella  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes) 44 

37.  dugesi  Bean 45 

38.  rubescens  Meek .' 46 

39.  lacustris  Steindachner 47 

Genus  17.  Hybognathus  Agassiz 48 

40.  episcopus  (Girard) 48 

41 .  rasconis  (Jordan  &  Snyder) 50 

Genus  18.  Pimelocephales  Rafinesque 50 

42.  confertus  (Girard) 51 

Subfamily  Mylopharodontinag 51 

Genus  19.   Stypodon  Garman 51 

43 .  signifer  Garman  .  . 5  * 

Subfamily  Leuciscinas 52 

Genus  20.  Ptychocheilus  Agassiz 52 


xii  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

PAGE 

44.  lucius  Girard 52 

Genus  2 1 .  Gila  Baird  &  Girard 53 

45.  elegans  Baird  &  Girard 53 

46.  minaca?  Meek 54 

Genus  22.  Leuciscus  Cuvier 55 

47.  nigrescens  (Girard) 55 

[intermedius  (Girard)] 56 

Genus  23.  Abramis  Cuvier 56 

48.  chrysoleucus  (Mitchill)    57 

Genus  24.  Cochlognathus  Baird  &  Girard 57 

49.  ornatus  Baird  &  Girard 58 

Genus  25.  Falcula  Jordan  &  Snyder 58 

50.  chapalae  Jordan  &  Snyder 58 

Genus  26.  Aztecula  Jordan  &  Everma'nn 59 

51.  vittata  (Girard) 59 

52.  lermas  (Evermann  &  Goldsborough) 60 

53.  mexicana  Meek 61 

Genus  27.  Nototropis  Rafinesque 62 

Subgenus  Alburnops  Girard 65 

54.  calientis  Jordan  &  Snyder 65 

.55.  braytoni  (Jordan  &  Evermann) 65 

56.  robustus  Meek 66 

57.  chihuahua  Woolman 67 

58.  boucardi  (Gunther) 67 

Subgenus  Codoma  Girard 68 

59.  ornatus  (Girard) 68 

Subgenus  Orcella  Jordan  &  Evermann 69 

60.  orca  Woolman 69 

61.  nazas  Meek 70 

>          Subgenus  Moniana  Girard 70 

62.  forlonensis  Meek 70 

63.  lutrensis  (Baird  &  Girard) 71 

64.  macrostomus  (Girard) 72 

65.  garmani  (Jordan) 73 

66.  santamarias  Evermann  &  Goldsborough 74 

67.  formosus  (Girard) 74 

68.  frigidus  (Girard) ' 75 

Subgenus  Nototropis  Rafinesque 75 

69.  santarosaliae  Meek 75 

Genus  28.  Phenacobius  Cope 76 

70.  scopifer  (Cope) 76 

Genus  29.  Evarra  Woolman 77 

7 1 .  eigenmanni  Woolman 77 

72.  tlahuacensis  Meek 78 

Genus  30.   Rhinichthys  Agassiz 79 

73.  simus  Garman 79 

Genus  31.  Agosia  Girard 79 

74.  oscula  (Girard) 80 

75.  chrysogaster  Girard 80 

Genus  32.  Hybopsis  Agassiz 80 

76.  aestivalis  (Girard) 81 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xiii 

PAGE 

77.  altus  (Jordan) 81 

Genus  33.  Couesius  Jordan 82 

78.  adustus  Woolman 82 

Subfamily  Plagopterinae 83 

Genus  34.  Plagopterus  Cope 83 

79.  argentissimus  Cope .  83 

Family  VI.  Characinidae 83 

Subfamily  Tetragonopterinae 84 

Genus  35.  Tetragonopterus  Cuvier 84 

80.  mexicanus  Filippi 85 

81.  aeneus  Gunther 86 

Genus  36.  Hemigrammus  Gill 87 

82.  compressus  Meek 87 

Subfamily  Characinag 88 

Genus  37.  Roeboides  Gunther 88 

83.  guatemalensis  (Gunther)   88 

ORDER  V.  SYMBRANCHIA 89 

Family  VII.  Symbranchidas 89 

Genus  38.  Symbranchus  Bloch 89 

84.  marmoratus  Bloch » 89 

ORDER  VI.  APODES 90 

.     Family  VIII.  Anguillidas 90 

Genus  39.  Anguilla  Shaw  .  .  . 90 

85.  chrysypa  Rafmesque 90 

ORDER  VII.  ISOSPONDYLI 92 

Family  IX.  Dorosomatidae  .  .  .  t * 92 

Genus  40.  Dorosoma  Rafinesque 92 

86.  anale  Meek 93 

87.  exile  Jordan  &  Gilbert '94 

Genus  41.  Signalosa  Evermann  &  Kendall 94 

88.  mexicana  (Gunther) 94 

Family  X.  Salmonidae 95 

Subfamily  Salmoninas 95 

Genus  42.   Salmo  (Artedi)   Linnaeus 95 

89.  irideus  Gibbons : 96 

ORDER  VIII.  HAPLOMI 98 

Family  XI.   Pceciliidas '. 98 

Subfamily  Fundulinae 101 

Genus  43.  Cynodonichthys  Meek 101 

90.  tenuis  Meek i  o  i 

Genus  44.  Fundulus  Lac£pede 102 

Subgenus  Fundulus 103 

[guatemalensis  Gunther] 103 

[punctatus  Gunther] 104 

9 1 .  oaxacag  Meek 104 

92.  vinctus  Jordan  &  Gilbert 105 

93.  similis  (Baird  &  Girard) 105 

heteroclitus  (Linnasus) 106 

grandis  Baird  &  Girard 107 


xiv  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM— ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

PAGE 

[labialis  Gunther] 107 

Subgenus  Fontinus  Jordan  &  Evermann 108 

96.  extensus  Jordan  &  Gilbert 108 

97.  zebrinus  (Jordan  &  Gilbert) 108 

Genus  45.  Lucania  Girard 109 

98.  venusta  (Girard) 109 

Genus  46.  Zoogoneticus  Meek 109 

99.  cuitzeoensis  (B.  A.  Bean) no 

100.  dugesi  (Bean) in 

[pachycephalus  (Giinther)] 112 

101 .  robustus  (Bean) 112 

102.  maculatus  Regan 113 

103.  diazi  Meek 114 

104.  miniatus  Meek 115 

Genus  47.  Girardinichthys  Bleeker 115 

105.  innominatus  Bleeker 116 

Subfamily  Oristiinae 118 

Genus  48.  Characodon  Gunther 1 18 

106.  multiradiatus  Meek 119 

107.  eiseni  Rutter 119 

108.  variatus  Bean 1 20 

109.  lateralis  Gunther 121 

no.  garmani  Jordan  &  Evermann 121 

in.  furcidens  Jordan  &  Gilbert 122 

Genus  49.  Chapalichthys  Meek 123 

112.  encaustus  (Jordan  &  Snyder) 123 

Genus  50.  Cyprinodon  Lac6pdde 1 24 

113.  eximius  Girard 125 

114.  elegans  Baird  &  Girard 125 

115.  macularius  Baird  &  Girard 126 

1 16.  latifasciatus  Garman 126 

Subfamily  Gambusiinae 127 

Genus  51.  Pseudoxiphophorus  Bleeker 127 

117.  bimaculatus  (Heckel) 127 

Genus  52.  Gambusia  Poey 128 

1 18.  fasciata  Meek * 129 

119.  gracilis  (Heckel) 130 

1 20.  affinis  (Baird  &  Girard) 130 

121.  infans  Woolman 131 

122.  bonita  Meek .- 132 

Genus  53.  Paragambusia  Meek 133 

123.  nicaraguensis  (Gunther) 133 

Genus  54.  Glaridichthys  Garman 134 

124.  latidens  (Garman) 134 

Genus  55.  Belonesox  Kner 135 

125.  belizanus  Kner 135 

Subfamily  Anablepinae 135 

Genus  56.  Anableps  (Artedi)  Bloch 135 

1 26.  dovii  Gill 136 

Subfamily  Goodinae 136 

Genus  57.  Goodea  Jordan 136 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xv 

PAGE 

127.  whitei  Meek 137 

128.  toweri  Meek 138 

129.  luitpoldi  (Steindachner) 139 

130.  atripinnis  Jordan 140 

Genus  58.  Skiffia  Meek 141 

131.  multipunctata  (Pellegrin) 141 

132.  lermae  Meek 142 

133.  variegata  Meek 143 

134.  bilineata  (Bean) ' 144 

Subfamily  Poeciliinas 144 

Genus  59.  Platypoecilus  Gunther 144 

135.  maculatus  Gunther 145 

136.  variatus  Meek 146 

137.  nelsoni  Meek 147 

Genus  60.  Heterandria  Agassiz 147 

138.  pleurospilus  (Gunther) 148 

139.  lutzi  Meek 148 

Genus  61.  Poecilia  Bloch  &  Schneider 149 

140.  occidentalis  (Baird  &  Girard) 150 

141.  latipunctata  Meek 150 

142.  butleri  Jordan 151 

143.  presidionis  Jordan  &  Culver 152 

144.  couchiana  (Girard) 152 

145.  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes 153 

Genus  62.  Mollienesia  Le  Sueur 154 

146.  formosa  (Girard) 155 

147.  latipinna  Le  Sueur 155 

Genus  63.  Xiphophorus  Heckel 156 

148.  lalapas  Meek 156 

149.  helleri  Heckel 157 

1 50.  montezumas  Jordan  &  Snyder 158 

ORDER  IX.  SYNENTOGNATHI 160 

Family  XII.  Belonidag 160 

Genus  64.  Tylosurus  Cocco 160 

151.  marinus  (Walbaum) 160 

ORDER  X.  LOPHOBRANCHII 162 

Family  XIII.  Syngnathidae 162 

Genus  65.  Siphostoma  Rafmesque ' 162 

152.  brevicaudum  Meek 163 

1 53.  starksi  Jordan  &  Culver 163 

ORDER  XI.  ACANTHOPTERI 164 

Family  XIV.  Atherinida; 165 

Genus  66.  Chirostoma  Swainson 166 

Subgenus  Eslopsarum  Jordan 169 

154.  jordani  Woolman 169 

155.  mezquital  Meek 170 

1 56.  arge  (Jordan  &  Snyder) 171 

157.  bartoni  Jordan  &  Evermann 172 

158.  attenuatum  Meek 172 

159.  labarcse  Meek 1 73 


xvi  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

PAGE 

160.  patzcuaro  Meek 174 

161.  zirahuen  Meek 174 

Subgenus  Chirostoma  Swainson 175 

162.  humboldtianum  (Cuv.  &  Val.) 175 

163.  chapalae  Jordan  &  Snyder 176 

164.  grandocule  Steindachner 176 

165.  promelas  Jordan  &  Snyder 177 

Subgenus  Lethostole  Jordan  &  Evermann 177 

166.  sphyraena  Boulenger 177 

167.  lucius  Boulenger 178 

1 68.  lermae  Jordan  &  Snyder 179 

169.  ocotlanae  Jordan  &  Snyder 180 

170.  estor  Jordan  .  .   180 

Genus  67.  Menidia  Bonaparte 181 

171.  sallei  (Regan) 181 

172.  lisa  Meek 182 

Genus  68.  Melaniris  Meek 183 

173.  balsanus  Meek 183 

Genus  69.  Thyrina  Jordan  &  Culver 184 

[evermanni  Jordan  &  Culver] 184 

174.  crystallina  (Jordan  &  Culver)    184 

Family  XV.  Mugilidae 185 

Subfamily  Mugilinae 185 

Genus  70.  Mugil  (Artedi)  Linnaeus. 185 

175.  cephalus  Linnaeus 186 

Subfamily  Agonostominae 186 

Genus  71.  Agonostomus  Bennet 186 

Subgenus  Dajaus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes 186 

176.  monticola  (Bancroft) 186 

Genus  72.   Neomugil  Vaillant 187 

177.  digueti  Vaillant 188 

Genus  73.  Joturus  Poey 188 

178.  pichardi  Poey 188 

Family  XVI.  Centrarchidae 189 

Subfamily  Lepidopominas 190 

Genus  74.  Lepidopomus  Rafinesque 190 

Subgenus  Apomotis  Rafinesque 191 

179.  cyanellus  Rafinesque 191 

Subgenus  Lepidopomus  Rafinesque 192 

180.  occidentalis  Meek 192 

181.  haplognathus  Cope 192 

182.  pallidus  (Mitchill) 193 

Genus  75.  Eupomotis  Gill  &  Jordan 193 

183.  heros  (Baird  &  Girard) 194 

Subfamily  Micropterinae 194 

Genus  76.  Micropterus  Lac£pede 194 

184.  salmonoides  (Lac6p6de) 195 

Family  XVII.   Percidae 196 

Subfamily  Etheostomatinae 196 

Genus  77.  Etheostoma  Rafinesque 196 

Subgenus  Torrentaria  Jordan  &  Evermann 197 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xvii 

PAGE 

185.  australe  (Jordan) 197 

Subgenus  Rafinesquiellus  Jordan  &  Evermann 197 

1 86.  pottsii  (Girard) 197 

Subgenus  Oligocephalus  Girard 198 

187.  lepidum  (Baird  &  Girard) 198 

Family  XVIII.  Centropomidse .    198 

Genus  78.  Centropomus  Lacep6de 199 

188.  mexicanus  Bocourt 199 

Family  XIX.  Haemulidae 199 

Genus  79.  -Pomadasys  Lac6pede 200 

Subgenus  Rhonciscus  Jordan  &  Evermann 200 

189.  starri  Meek 200 

190.  bayanus  Jordan  &  Evermann 201 

191.  templei  Meek 201 

Family  XX.  Sciaenidas 102 

Subfamily  Haploidonotinas   202 

1   Genus  80.  Haploidonotus  Rafinesque 202 

192.  grunniens  Rafinesque 203 

Family  XXI.  Cichlidas 204 

Genus  81.  Cichlasoma  Swainson 204 

193.  mento  (Vaillant  &  Pellegrin) 207 

194.  salvini  (Gunther) 207 

195.  hedricki  Meek 208 

196.  pavonaceum  (Garman) 209 

197.  beani  (Jordan) 210 

198.  steindachneri  Jordan  &  Snyder 210 

199.  bartoni  (Bean) 211 

200.  istlanum  (Jordan  &  Snyder) 212 

201.  evermanni  Meek 214 

202.  heterodontum  (Vaillant  &  Pellegrin) 215 

203.  cyanoguttatum  (Baird  &  Girard) 215 

204.  rectangulare  (Steindachner) 216 

205.  mojarra  Meek 217 

206.  octofasciatum  (Regan) 218 

207 .  parma  (Gunther) 218 

208.  melanurum  (Gunther) 219 

209.  eigenmanni  Meek 220 

2 10.  nebulifer  (Gunther) 220 

Genus  82.  Neetroplus  Gunther 221 

211.  carpintis  Jordan  &  Snyder 221 

Genus  83.  Thorichthys  Meek 222 

212.  helleri  (Steindachner) 223 

213.  ellioti  Meek  .  . 223 

Family  XXII.  Gobiidas 225 

Subfamily  Eleotridinas 226 

Genus  84.  Philypnus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes 226 

214.  dormitor  (Lac6p6de) 226 

Genus  85.  Dormitator  Gill 227 

215.  maculatus  (Bloch) 227 

Genus  86.  Eleotris  Bloch  &  Schneider 228 

216.  pisonis  (Gmelin) 228 


xviii          FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

PAGB 

217.  pictus  Kner  &  Steindachner 229 

Subfamily  Gobiinae 229 

Genus  87.  Gobius  Linnasus 229 

Subgenus  Ctenogobius  Gill   230 

218.  parvus  Meek 230 

Subgenus  Gobionellus  Girard 231 

219.  claytoni  Meek 231 

220.  microdon  Gilbert 23 1 

Genus  88.  Chonophorus  Steindachner 232 

221.  nelsoni  (Evermann) 232 

222.  taiasica  (Lichtenstein) 233 

223.  mexicanus  (Gunther) 233 

Genus  89.  Gillicththys  Cooper 234 

224.  detrusus  Gilbert  &  Scofield 234 

Family  XXIII.  Soleidae 234 

Subfamily  Achirinae 235 

Genus  90.  Achirus  Lac6p£de 235 

Subgenus  Baiostoma  Bean   235 

225.  mazatlanus  (Steindachner) 235 

226.  fonsecensis  (Gunther) 236 

Subgenus  Achirus  Lace'pdde] 236 

227.  fasciatus  Lac6p6de 236 


LIST  OF  FULL-PAGE  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PLATE  PAGE 

Map  of  Mexico,  showing  Fish  Faunal  Areas.  xlvii 

I.    Goodea  luitpoldi  (Steindachner) .  .Photograph  by  C.  H.  Carpenter        1 
II.    Ovary  of  Goodea  luitpoldi  (Stein- 

dachmer) Photograph  by  C.  H.  Carpenter        1 

III.  Large-mouth    Black    Bass,    (Micropterus  Salmonoides   Lac6pede) 

showing  parts  referred  to  in  descriptions  of  fishes Ivi 

IV.  Galeichthys  aguadulce  Meek Photograph  by  C.  H.  Carpenter       9 

V.    Rhamdia  oaxacas  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...      20 

VI.   Catostomus  sonorensis  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...      32 

VII.   Catostomus  conchos  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...      33 

VIII  \  Skiffia  lermae  Meek  (<j) Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...    142 

<  Skiffia  lermag  Meek  (?) Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  .  .  .    142 

IX.    Platypcecilus  maculatus  Gunther  .Photograph  by  C.  H.  Carpenter  145 

-v-    (  Platypoecilus  variatus  Meek Photograph  by  C.  H.  Carpenter  146 

(  Xiphophorus  helleri  Heckel Photograph  by  C.  H.  Carpenter  157 

XI.    Xiphophorus  jalapae  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...    156 

XII.    Lepidopomus  occidentalis  Meek.  .Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  .  .  .    192 

XIII.  Pomadasys  starri  Meek Photograph  by  C.  H.  Carpenter  200 

XIV.  Pomadasys  templei  Meek Photograph  by  C.  H.  Carpenter  201 

XV.   Cichlasoma  parma  (Gunther)   .  .  .  .Photograph  by  C.  H.  Carpenter  218 

XVI.   Cichlasoma  eigenmanni  Meek  .  .  .  .Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...    220 

"X"VTT  \  Gobius  parvus  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  .  .  .    230 

'  (  Gobius  claytoni  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  .  .  .    230 


LIST  OF  TEXT  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


FIG.  PAGE 

«.  Lampetra  spadicea  Bean Drawing  by  H.  L.  Todd 2 

2.  Istlarius  balsanus  Jordan  &  Snyder  . .  .Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  17 
f  Conorhynchus  nelsoni    Evermann    & 

3.  •]        Goldsborough Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin.  ...  19 

'  Embryo  of  Conorhynchus  nelsoni  .  .  .Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin.  ...  19 

4.  Carpiodes  microstomus  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins. .  .  27 

5.  Carpiodes  elongatus  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  28 

6.  Carpiodes  labiosus  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  29 

7.  Xystrosus  popoche  Jordan  &  Snyder.  Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  43 

8.  Algansea  dugesi  Bean Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin.  ...  46 

9.  Algansea  rubescens  Meek. Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  46 

10.  Hybognathus  rasconis  (Jordan  &  Sny- 

der)   :  .  .  .  Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks .  .  50 

11.  Gila  minacas  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  54 

12.  Falcula  chapalse  Jordan  &  Snyder..  .  .Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  58 

13.  Aztecula  vittata  (Girard) Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin ....  60 

14.  Aztecula  lermae   (Evermann  &  Golds- 

borough)  Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin ....  6 1 

15.  Aztecula  mexicana  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  62 

1 6.  Nototropis  calientis  Jordan  &  Snyder  Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  65 

17.  Nototropis  robustus  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  66 

18.  Nototropis  chihuahua  Woolman Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin.  ...  67 

19.  Nototropis  nazas  Meek Drawing  by 'Howard  Stebbins.  .  70 

20.  Nototropis  forlonensis  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins. .  .  71 

21.  Nototropis   santamariae   Evermann   & 

Goldsborough Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin ....  74 

22.  Nototropis  santarosaliae  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  76 

23.  Evarra  eigenmanni  Woolman Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin.  ...  77 

24.  Evarra  tlahuacensis  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  78 

25.  Hemigrammus  compressus  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  87 

26.  Dorosoma  anale  Meek  .-. Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  93 

27.  Cynodonichthys  tenuis  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  102 

28.  Fundulus  oaxacse  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  104 

29.  Zoogoneticus  cuitzeoensis  (B.  A.  Bean) .  Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin 1 1 1 

30.  Zoogoneticus  dugesi  (Bean) Drawing  by  H.  L.  Todd 112 

31.  Zoogoneticus  robustus  (Bean) Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin.  ...  113 

32.  Zoogoneticus  diazi  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  114 

33.  Zoogoneticus  miniatus  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  115 

34.  Characodon  variatus  Bean  $ Drawing  by  H.  L.  Todd 120 

35.  Characodon  variatus  Bean  5 Drawing  by  H.  L.  Todd 120 

36.  Chapalichthys  encaustus     (Jordan    & 

Snyder) Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks .  .  123 

37.  Gambusia  fasciata  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  129 

38.  Gambusia  infans  Woolman Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin.  .  .  .  132 

39.  Gambusia  bonita  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins .  .  132 

40.  Goodea  whitei  Meek   Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins .  .  137 


xxii  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

FIG.  PAGE 

41.  Goodea  toweri  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  138 

42.  Goodea  luitpoldi  (Steindachner) Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  139 

43.  Goodea  atripinnis  Jordan  . .  .  ., Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  140 

44.  Skiffia  variegata  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  143 

45.  Skiffia  bilineata  (Bean) Drawing  by  W.  S.  Haines 144 

46.  Platypoecilus  nelsoni  Meek Photograph  by  C.  H.  Carpenter  14^ 

47.  Heterandria  lutzi  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  149 

48.  Poecilia  latipunctata  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  150 

49.  Poecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes 

Drawing  by  W.  S.  Atkinson ....  153 

50.  Xiphophorus    montezumae    Jordan    & 

Snyder Drawing  by  W.  S.  Atkinson ....  158 

51.  Siphostoma  brevicaudum  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  163 

52.  Chirostoma  jordani  Woolman Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin.  ...  170 

53.  Chirostoma  mezquital  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  170 

54.  Chirostoma  arge  (Jordan  &  Snyder)  ..Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  171 

55.  Chirostoma  attenuatum  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  173 

56.  Chirostoma  patzcuaro  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  174 

57.  Chirostoma  zirahuen  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas ....  174 

58.  Chirostoma  chapalae  Jordan  &  Snyder  Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  176 

59.  Chirostoma  sphyraena  Boulenger Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  178 

60.  Chirostoma  lucius  Boulenger Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  179 

61.  Chirostoma  lermae  Jordan  &  Snyder  ..Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks.  .  179 

62.  Chirostoma  ocotlanae  Jordan  &  Snyder  Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks  .   .  180 

63.  Menidia  lisa  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  182 

64.  Melaniris  balsanus  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  183 

65.  Haploidonotus  grunniens  Rafinesque  .Drawing  by  Miss  J.  Gloetzner..  203 

66.  Cichlasoma  hedricki  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  209 

67.  Cichlasoma    steindachneri    Jordan    & 

Snyder Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks .  .  211 

68.  Cichlasoma  bartoni  (Bean) Drawing  by  A.  H.  Baldwin.  ...  212 

69.  Cichlasoma  istlanum  (Jordan  &  Sny- 

der)  Drawing  by  Mrs.  C.  L.  Starks ...  213 

70.  Cichlasoma  evermanni  Meek Drawing  by  W.  D.  Douglas.  ...  214 

7 1 .  Cichlasoma  mojarra  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins .  .  217 

72.  Thorichthys  ellioti  Meek Drawing  by  Howard  Stebbins.  .  224 


LIST  OF   GENERA    AND   SPECIES   WHICH    APPEAR  AS    NEW 
IN  THE  PRESENT  WORK. 


NEW  GENERA.  PAGE 

Cynodonichthys 101 

Paragambusia 133 

Thorichthys 222 

NEW  SPECIES. 

Galeichthys  aguadulce 9 

Amiurus  australis 13 

Amiurus  mexicanus 15 

Carpiodes  microstomus 27 

Carpiodes  elongatus 28 

Carpiodes  labiosus 29 

Nototropis  nazas 70 

Nototropis  forlonensis ~. 70 

Hemigramnrus  compressus 87 

Dorosoma  anale    ^93 

Cynodonichthys  tennis 101 

Characodon  multiradiatus 119 

Gambusia  fasciata ' 129 

Gambusia  bonita    132 

Goodea  whitei 137 

Goodea  toweri 138 

Platypoecilus  variatus 146 

Platypoecilus  nelsoni    147 

Poecilia  latipunctata    150 

Siphostoma  brevicaudum    160 

Chirostoma  mezquital    170 

Menidia  lisa 182 

Pomadasys  starri .  .  .- 200 

Pomadasys  templei    201 

Cichlasoma  hedricki 208 

Cichlasoma  evermanni 214 

Cichlasoma  mojarra 217 

Thorichthys  ellioti 223 


NTRODUCTION. 


GENERAL  TOPOGRAPHY  AND  HYDROGRAPHY  OF  MEXICO. 

The  greater  portion  of  Mexico  is  a  plateau  ranging  in  elevation 
from  3,000  to  8,000  feet  above  the  sea.  The  northern  portion  is  the 
lower,  and  the  slope  to  the  northeast,  especially  of  that  portion  drained 
by  the  Rio  Grande  and  its  tributaries,  is  more  gentle  than  of  any  other 
portion.  The  eastern  border  of  this  plateau  is  formedjby  the  eastern 
range  of  the  Sierra  Madre  Mountains,  leaving  to  the  east  a  plain  vary- 
ing in  width  from  about  150  miles  east  of  Monterey  to  less  than  50 
miles  west  of  Tampico  and  Vera  Cruz.  This  plain  north  of  Tampico 
is  chiefly  drained  by  three  rivers :  the  Rio  Conchas  and  the  Rio  Soto 
la  Marina,  which  flow  into  the  Gulf;  and  the  Rio  Forlon,  a  tributary 
of  the  Rio  Panuco.  None  of  these  streams  drain  any  portion  of  the 
central  plateau.  Two  of  the  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Panuco,  the  Rio 
San  Juan  and  the  Rio  Tula,  have  their  origin  on  the  central  plateau, 
and  reach  the  main  river  through  a  gap  in  the  mountains  by  a  series 
of  cascades  and  falls.  South  of  Tampico  this  narrow  plain  is  drained 
by  a  number  of  small  streams  which  are  wholly  confined  to  the  eastern 
slope.  South  of  Vera  Cruz  and  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  State 
of  Oaxaca  this  eastern  range  of  the  Sierra  Madre  meets  the  southern 
range,  the  Sierra  Madre  del  Sur,  the  two  forming  the  low  water  shed 
of  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec.  The  northern  portion  of  this  Isthmus 
is  drained  by  the  Rio  Coatzacoalcos.  Between  this  river  and  the  City 
of  Vera  Cruz  is  a  rather  broad,  low  plain  on  which  from  10  to  15  feet 
of  rain  falls  each  year.  This  plain  is  mostly  drained  by  the  Rio 
Papaloapam  and  its  tributaries,  the  Rio  Tonto,  the  Rio  Quiotepec, 
the  Rio  Tesechoacan,  and  the  Rio  San  Juan  Evangelista.  Owing  to 
the  great  rainfall  in  this  region,  these  rivers  are  very  large  as  com- 
pared with  the  area  they  drain.  The  Sierra  Madre  del  Sur  extends 
parallel  to  the  coast  as  far  as  Colima,  where  it  becomes  the  western 
range  of  the  Sierra  Madre.  Between  the  Sierra  Madre  del  Sur  and 
the  zone  of  recent  volcanoes  which  extends  west -of  Puebla  and  forms 
the  watershed  between  the  Rio  Balsas  and  the  Rio  Lerma  is  a  con- 
siderable plateau  drained  by  the  Rio  Balsas,  the  second  largest  river 
in  Mexico,  which  flows  into  the  Pacific  Ocean.  North  of  the  Rio 
Balsas  basin  the  central  plateau  is  drained  by  the  Rio  Lerma,  which, 
after  it  leaves  Lago  de  Chapala,  is  known  as  the  Rio  Grande  de  San- 
tiago, the  two  forming  the  longest  river  wholly  within  the  republic. 
The  Rio  Santiago  reaches  the  sea  by  a  series  of  cascades  and  falls. 


xxvi  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

The  Valley  of  Mexico  is  an  independent  drainage  basin,  though  judg- 
ing from  the  nature  of  its  fish  fauna,  .at  some  previous  time  its  waters 
probably  flowed  into  the  Rio  Lerma.  The  northern  limit  of  the 
basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma  is  at  Zacatecas. 

A  glance  at  any  map  of  Mexico  reveals  the  fact  that  the  largest 
western  rivers  north  of  the  Rio  Grande  de  Santiago  rise  to  the  east  of 
the  central  range  of  the  Sierra  Madre  Mountains,  or  in  the  western 
portion  of  the  Central  plateau.  The  western  Sierra  is  exceedingly 
rough  and  its  western  slope  very  steep.  To  such  an  extent  is  this 
the  case  that  of  the  seven  railroads  which  have  western  terminals 
not  one  has  yetlreached  the  Pacific  coast. 

The  rainfall  in  Mexico  is  variable,  the  greatest  precipitation  being 
in  the  State  of  Vera  Cruz.  On  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec  the  rains 
begin  about  the  first  of  May,  and  continue  into  December,  though 
there  are  occasional  rains  until  about  the  first  of  February.  In  the 
neighborhood  of  the  City  of  Mexico  and  the  Lerma  Valley  the  rains 
begin  the  first  of  May  and  continue  until  about  the  first  of  November; 
between  Tampico  and  Monterey  they  begin  about  the  last  of  May 
and  continue  until  October.  In  northern  Mexico,  in  the  State  of 
Chihuahua,  the  rainy  season  commences  the  last  of  June  and  ceases 
in  September.  The  rainfall  in  southern  Mexico  is  much  more  abun- 
dant than  in  the  northern  part.  Where  the  wet  season  is  much  longer 
than  the  dry  season  the  larger  rivers  contain  a  good  supply  of  water 
during  the  entire  year.  In  the  height  of  the  wet  season  many  of 
them  overflow,  forming,  in  depressions,  shallow  lakes,  bayous,  and 
ponds;  these  later  become  dry,  causing  the  destruction  of  a  great 
many  fishes.  The  same  conditions  hold  in  the  dryer  portions,  but 
here  many  of  the  streams  also  become  partially  dry.  On  the  plateau 
the  water  in  the  dry  season  in  many  streams  is  confined  to  a  portion 
of  the  upper  part  of  its  course,  and  such  streams  usually  contain  a 
small  number  of  species  of  fishes.  During  the  wet  season  many  of 
the  isolated  streams  in  northern  Mexico  form  at  their  mouths  lakes 
of  considerable  size,  such  as  Lago  de  Guzman  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rio 
Casas  Grandes,  Lago  de  Patos  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Carmen,  etc., 
etc.  From  the  upper  part  of  these  river  courses  the  lakes  into  which 
they  flow  become  stocked  with  fishes.  There  is  considerable  alkali 
in  the  beds  of  these  lakes  which  the  water  takes  up  in  solution.  As 
the  dry  season  comes  on  the  lakes  gradually  become  smaller  and  the 
water  in  them  more  alkaline.  When  each  lake  is  reduced  to  about 
three-fourths  of  its  original  size  the  water  becomes  so  charged  with 
alkali  that  the  fishes  die  in  great  numbers.  During  the  latter  part  of 
the  dry  season  there  is  very  little  water  in  the  Rio  Casas  Grandes 
below  Terrasas,  more  than  half  of  its  bed  being  dry.  What  is  true 


INTRODUCTION.  xxvii 

of  this  river  is  also  true  of  many  other  rivers  in  the  dryer  portions 
of  Mexico,  and  especially  so  of  those  streams  whose  waters  never 
reach  the  sea. 

RECENT    GEOLOGICAL    CHANGES    IN    MEXICO   AND    THEIR 
GENERAL  EFFECT  ON    THE  FISH  FAUNA. 

Geologically  speaking,  within  more  recent  times  the  climatic  and 
hydrographic  conditions  of  Mexico  have  been  less  stable  than  in  the 
Mississippi  Valley.  The  central  portion  of  Mexico  has  been  subject 
to  considerable  volcanic  disturbances  which  have  continued  to  within 
recent  times.  The  northern  portion  has  evidently  at  some  former 
time  been  much  better  watered  than  it  is  now.  Such  streams  as  the 
Rio  Casas  Grandes,  Rio  Santa  Maria,  Rio  Carmen,  the  Rio  Nazas, 
and  many  others  in  this  region  whose  waters  never  reach  the  sea  were, 
perhaps,  formerly  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Grande.  This  supposi- 
tion is  based  on  the  character  of  their  fish  faunas  and  the 
general  topography  of  the  country.  Dr.  O.  C.  Farrington,  of  the 
Department  of  Geology  of  this  Museum,  suggests  that  the  reduced 
size  of  these  streams  is  due  largely  to  the  fact  that  most  of  the  moun- 
tain drainage  of  this  part  of  Mexico  is  now  to  the  west ;  and  that  the 
portions  of  the  western  rivers  which  are  east  of  the  Sierra  Madre 
Mountains  were  formerly  the  upper  tributaries  of  the  streams  which 
flow  to  the  east.  According  to  this  view  the  western  streams  have 
cut  their  way  back,  captured  the  head-waters  of  the  eastern  streams, 
and  with  them  their  portion  of  the  eastern  fish  fauna.  Mr.  A.  V. 
Temple,  who  has  traveled  extensively  over  this  region  for  the  past 
thirty-five  years,  informs  me  that  there  is  much  less  water  in  this  por- 
tion of  Mexico  now  than  when  he  first  visited  it.  Many  lakes  have 
become  entirely  dry,  though  occasionally  one,  as  La  Laguna  in  Chi- 
huahua, which  has  been  dry  for  years,  may  be  partially  filled  by  a  heavy 
rain.  When  the  Mexican  Central  Railroad  built  its  line  from  El  Paso 
to  the  City  of  Mexico  it  was  extended  across  the  dry  bed  of  this  lake. 
About  seven  years  ago  a  heavy  rain  submerged  this  portion  of  the 
track  and  delayed  traffic  until  the  road  could  lay  its  present  line  some 
distance  to  one  side  of  the  lake.  Since  then,  La  Laguna  has  grad- 
ually become  smaller  and  is  likely  soon  to  return  to  a  dry  basin  again. 
Disturbances  of  the  kind  noted  above  have  their  influence  on  the 
aquatic  life  of  the  country.  Any  change  in  environment  means  that 
animals  affected  by  it  must  change  physically  to  meet  the  new  con- 
ditions ;  those  that  are  unable  to  change  to  suit  these  conditions  sooner 
or  later  disappear,  while  new  varieties,  and,  if  the  time  is  long  enough, 
new  species,  come  into  existence. 


xxviii        FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Thus,  in  a  measure  at  least,  species  of  fishes  in  Mexico  are  under- 
going changes,  and  the  process  of  making  species  or  varieties  is  still 
actively  in  progress.  There  is  in  general  more  individual  variation 
in  species  of  Mexican  fresh-water  fishes  than  among  the  species  which 
inhabit  the  Mississippi  Valley.  To  define  properly  the  species  and 
subspecies  of  fishes  in  the  country  in  question  a  much  more  extended 
study  of  each  is  necessary,  and  for  this  reason  I  have  not  recognized 
any  subspecies  in  the  present  paper. 

A  few  species,  as  Hybognathus  episcopus  (Girard),  have  a  wide  dis- 
tribution, besides  this  they  range  from  near  sea  level  to  an  altitude  of 
6,000  or  7,000  feet.  If  in  this  case  we  recognize  any  subspecies  at 
all,  we  must  recognize  one  for  each  important  stream  in  which  the 
species  occurs.  In  such  cases  I  have  recognized  one  species  and  noted 
the  important,  though  slight,  differences  in  the  specimens  from  the  vari- 
ous localities  from  which  I  have  material.  For  examples  of  extreme 
individual  variation  of  color  markings,  I  would  refer  to  Platy- 
pcecilus  maculatus  Gunther,  and  Platypcecilus  variatus  Meek.  The 
student  of  Mexican  fresh-water  fishes  must  be  constantly  on  the  out- 
look for  these  variations.  In  defining  species  it  is  certainly  better  to 
rely  on  structural  differences  rather  than  on  differences  in  color.  On 
many  of  the  tropical  fishes,  especially  in  the  streams  of  the  lower 
lands,  there  are  black  blotches  which  appear  more  like  stains  than 
markings.  These  are  not  at  all  definite  in  outline,  or  in  position; 
some  may  be  large,  others  small,  and  their  position  without  regularity. 
An  example  of  this  kind  is  seen  in  Xiphophorus  helleri  Gunther,  of 
which  a  variety  noted  by  Dr.  A.Giinther,  because  of  these  black  blotches, 
was  later  for  the  same  reason  regarded  as  a  distinct  species*  by  Jordan 
&  Evermann.  Many  of  the  Pceciliida  have  these  blotches,  although 
they  are  not  uncommon  in  other  species.  Unless  an  apparently  new 
species  is  very  different  from  its  nearest  relative,  it  is  quite  as  well 
not  to  describe  it  as  new  unless  a  large  amount  of  material  is  at  hand 
for  comparison.  I  am  not  certain  that  I  have  properly  followed  this 
rule  myself,  still  a  careful  examination  of  my  material  will,  I  believe, 
show  that  I  have  not  materially  departed  from  it. 

LIST  OF  LOCALITIES  IN  MEXICO  WHERE  COLLECTIONS 
OF  FISHES  WERE  MADE  IN  1901  BY  MR.  F.  E.  LUTZ 
AND  THE  AUTHOR. 

Colonia  Juarez,  Chihuahua;  Rio  Casas  Grandes,  June  26. 
Guzman,  Chihuahua;  spring  near  railroad  station,  June  25. 
Santa  Maria,  Chihuahua;  springs  and  ponds  near  clubhouse,  June  24. 
San  Jose,  Chihuahua;  spring  at  San  Jose  ranch,  June  21. 

*Xiphophorus  guntheri  Jordan  &  Evermann. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxix 

Ahumada,  Chihuahua;  a  large  irrigating  ditch,  June  22. 

Chihuahua,  Chihuahua;  Rio  Chihuahua,  June  19. 

Santa  Rosalia,  Chihuahua;  Rio  Noavaco,  June  10. 

Jimenez,  Chihuahua;  Rio  Conchos,  June  9. 

San  Andres,  Chihuahua;  Rio  Santa  Cruz,  June  17,  1 8. 

Bustillos,  Chihuahua;  Lago  de  Castillo,  the  lake  was  dry  except  a  few  small  holes, 

June  14. 

Minaca,  Chihuahua;  Rio  Paphigochic,  June  16,  17. 
Aguas  Calientes,  Aguas  Calientes;  Rio  Verde,  June  7. 

Lagos,  Jalisco;  tributary  of  the  Rio  Verde,  and  small  lake  near  the  city,  June  6. 
La  Barca,  Jalisco;  Rio  Lerma,  June  5. 

Ocotlan,  Jalisco;  Rio  Grande  de  Santiago  and  a  few  bayous,  June  2  and  3. 
Celaya,  Guanajuato;  small  stream  tributary  to  the  Rio  Lerma,  May  28. 
Acambaro,  Guanajuato;  Rio  Lerma,  May  27. 
La  Palma,  Michoacan;  Lago  de  Chalco,  May  30,  31. 
Huingo,  Michoacan;  Lago  de  Cuitzeo,  May  26. 
Patzcuaro,  Michoacan;  Lago  de  Patzcuaro,  May  18  to  22. 
Zirahuen,  Michoacan;  Lago  de  Zirahuen,  May  24. 
San  Juan  del  Rio,  Queretaro;  Rio  San  Juan,  May  16. 
Chalco,  Mexico;  Lago  de  Chalco,  April  30,  May  i. 
Texcoco,  Mexico;  Lago  de  Texcoco,  May  13. 
Puente  de  Ixtla,  Morelos;  Rio  Ixtla,  April  24  to  26. 
Balsas,  Guerrero;  Rio  Balsas  and  Rio  Cocula,  April  22  and  23. 
Venta  Salada,  Puebla;  Rio  Tehuacan,  May  6,  1901. 
Cuicatlan,  Oaxaca;  Rio  Quiotepec,  May  5,  1901. 
Oaxaca,  Oaxaca;  Rio  Verde,  May  4,  1901. 
Jalapa,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  Sordo,  May  9. 
La  Antigua,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  San  Francisco,  May  10. 

LIST  OF  LOCALITIES  IN  MEXICO  WHERE  COLLECTIONS 
OF  FISHES  WERE  MADE  BY  THE  AUTHOR  IN  1903. 

Sauz,  Chihuahua;  Rio  Sauz,  May  29. 

Lerdo,  Durango;  Rio  Nazas,  May  21. 

Santiago  Papasquiaro,  Durango;  Rio  Nazas,  May  25. 

Labor,  Durango;  a  small  spring  brook  with  no  outlet  from  the  sea;  a  small  col- 
lection received  in  June  from  Mr.  H.  Douglas,  conductor  on  Interna- 
tional Railroad. 

Durango,  Durango;  Rio  Mezquital,  and  a  spring  near  the  city,  May  23. 

Monterey,  Nuevo  Leon;  Spring  in  the  city,  May  20. 

San  Juan,  Nuevo  Leon;  Rio  San  Juan,  May  19. 

Mpntemorelos,  Nuevo  Leon;  Rio  Pilon,  May  18. 

Linares,  Nuevo  Leon;  Rio  Camacho,  May  16. 

Linares,  Nuevo  Leon;  Rio  Pabillo,  May  17. 

Garza  Valdez,  Tamaulipas;  Rio  Pilon,  May  15. 

La  Cruz,  Tamaulipas;  Rio  de  Purification,  May  13. 

Santa  Engracia,  Tamaulipas;  Rio  de  Santa  Engracia,  May  12. 

Victoria,  Tamaulipas;  Rio  de  San  Marcos,  May  n. 

Forlon,  Tamaulipas -,  Rio  Forlon,  May  9. 

Valles,  San  Luis  Potosi;  Rio  Valles,  May  7. 

Rascon,  San  Luis  Potosi;  Tributary  of  the  Rio  Valles,  May  6. 


xxx  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V 

Rio  Verde,  San  Luis  Potosi;   Rio  Verde,  collection    made    by    W.    L.    Tower, 

August. 

Lerma,  Mexico;  Rio  Lerma,  March  17  and  18. 
City  of  Mexico,  Mexico;  Viga  canal,  March  20. 
Chalco,  Mexico;  Canals,  April  19. 
Cuautla,  Morelos;  Rio  Cuautla,  March  25. 
Yautepec,  Morelos;  Rio  Yautepec,  March  27. 
Jojutla,  Morelos;  Rio  Apatlaco,  March  28. 
Puebla,  Puebla;  Rio  Atoyac;  April  4  and  18. 
Atlixco,  Puebla;  tributary  of  the  Rio  Atoyac,  April  i. 
Matamoras,  Puebla;  Rio  Atila,  April  2. 
Chietla,  Puebla;  Rio  Coetzala,  April  3. 
Jalapa,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  Sordo,  March  13. 
Xico,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  Texcolo,    March  12. 
San  Francisco,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  San  Francisco,  March  10. 
Vera  Cruz,  Vera  Cruz;  small  creek  north  of  the  city,  March  9. 
Boca  del  Rio,  Vera  Cruz;  Boca  del  Rio,  March  7. 
Cordoba,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  Blanco,  April  6. 
Rio  Blanco,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  Blanco,  March  5. 
Otopa,  Vera  Cruz ;  Rio  Otopa,  March  4. 
Motzorongo,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  Motzorongo,  April  9. 
Refugio,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  Tonto,  April  10. 
El  Hule,  Oaxaca;  Rio  Papaloapam,  April  22. 
Obispo,  Oaxaca;  Rio  Obispo,  April  24. 

Perez,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  Tesechocan,  March  i  and  2,  and  April  23. 
San  Juan  Evangelista,  Vera  Cruz;  Rio  San  Juan  Evangelista,  Feb.  27. 
Sanborn,  Vera  Cruz;  tributary  of  Rio  Coatzacoalcos,  February  22. 
San  Geronimo,  Oaxaca;  Rio  San  Geronimo,  February  26. 
Tehuantepec,  Oaxaca;  Rio  Tehuan tepee,  February  25. 

THE    RIVER  SYSTEMS  OF  MEXICO   AND   A  LIST    OF   FISHES 
KNOWN    FROM   EACH. 


RIO   GRANDE  SYSTEM. 

From  El  Paso,  Texas,  east  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  the  Rio  Grande 
forms  the  boundary  between  Mexico  and  the  United  States,  therefore 
only  this  portion  of  the  river  and  its  southern  tributaries  are  con- 
cerned in  the  drainage  of  Mexico.  In  the  Rio  Grande  system 
is  included  the  numerous  small  independent  streams  and  lakes  east  of 
the  Sierra  Madre  Mountains  in  Chihuahua  and  Durango,  for  these 
were,  no  doubt,  at  some  former  period  tributaries  to  the  Rio  Grande. 
This  portion  of  the  Mexican  plateau  in  general  is  a  treeless  plain  with 
a  scant  vegetation.  The  yucca,  the  mesquite,  various  species  of 
cacti,  sage  brush,  a  few  stunted  cedars  and  the  like,  together  with  a 
sparse  growth  of  various  species  of  grasses,  comprise  the  larger  part 
of  the  vegetation  of  this  region.  During  the  rainy  season,  and  a 
short  time  after  it,  there  is  promise  of  a  luxuriant  growth  of  plant 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxi 

life;  but  after  a  few  months  of  exposure  to  the  piercing  rays  of  the 
tropical  sun  the  character  of  the  country  changes,  assuming  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  parched  desert.  The  rivers,  which  are  large  in  the 
rainy  season,  become  very  small  by  the  end  of  the  long  dry  season. 
Many  of  the  lakes  in  this  region  become  dry  and  the  streams  which 
flow  into  them  contain  little  water  except  in  the  upper  part  of  their 
courses  where  they  are  fed  by  mountain  springs,  and  streams  of  this 
character  contain  but  few  species  of  fishes. 

RIO  GRANDE  AND  ITS  PRESENT  TRIBUTARIES  IN  MEXICO. 

Below  is  a  list  of  fishes  known  from  this  drainage  area: 

Lepidosteus  osseus  (Linnaeus) :  Santa  Rosalia;  San  Juan. 

Ichthyaelurus  furcatus  (Le  Sueur) :  Brownsville. 

Ichthyaelurus  punctatus  (Rafinesque) :  El  Paso. 

Amiurus  lupus  Baird  &  Girard:  San  Juan;  Montemorelos. 

Amiurus  natalis  (Le  Sueur) :  Brownsville. 

Leptops  olivaris  (Rafinesque):  El  Paso;  Santa  Rosalia. 

Carpiodes  tumidus  (Girard):  Ft.  Brown;  Brownsville. 

Carpiodes  microstomus  Meek:  Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez. 

Carpiodes  elongatus  Meek:  San  Juan;  Montembrelos. 

Pantosteus  plebeius  (Baird  &  Girard) :  San  Andres. 

Catostomus  conchos  Meek:  Jimenez. 

Myzostoma  congestum  (Baird  &  Girard):  Monterey;  Santa  Rosalia;  San  Juan; 
Montemorelos;  El  Paso. 

Campostoma  ornatum  Girard:  Chihuahua;  San  Andres;  Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez. 

Campostoma  anomalum  (Rafinesque):  Cadereita;  Acapulco;  San  Juan;  Monte- 
morelos. 

Campostoma  formosulum  Girard:  Brownsville. 

Hybognathus  episcopus  (Girard):  Chihuahua:  Jimenez;  Comanche  Spring;  Sal- 
tillo;  Monterey;  Cadereita;  Montemorelos;  Ft.  Brown;  Brownsville;  Buena 
Vista;  Guajuco. 

Pimelocephales  confertus  (Girard):  San  .Andres;  Chihuahua;  Santa  Rosalia; 
Jimenez;  Brownsville. 

Leuciscus  nigrescens  (Girard):  Chihuahua;  San  Andres;  Saltillo. 

Abramis  chrysoleucus  (Mitchill) :  Brownsville. 

Cochlognathus  ornatus  Baird  &  Girard;  Brownsville. 

Nototropis  braytoni  (Jordan  &  Evermann) ;  Cadereita;  San  Juan;  Montemorelos. 

Nototropis  robustus  Meek:  Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez. 

Nototropis  chihuahua  Woolman;  Chihuahua;  San  Andres;  Santa  Rosalia;  Jim- 
enez. 

Nototropis  ornatus  Girard:  Chihuahua;  Jimenez;  San  Andres. 

Nototropis  orca  Woolman;  El  Paso. 

Nototropis  lutrensis  (Baird  &  Girard):  China;  Cadereita;  Monterey;  Acupulco; 
Chihuahua;  Santa  Rosalia;  San  Andres;  Jimenez;  Brownsville. 

Nototropis  macrostomus  (Girard):  China;  San  Juan;  Montemorelos. 

Nototropis  santarosaliae  Meek:  Santa  Rosalia. 

Phenacobius  scopifer  (Cope) :  Brownsville. 

Rhinichthys  simus  Garman:  "Coahuila";  Santa  Rosalia;  Montemorelos. 

Hybopsis  aestivalis  (Girard):  Cadereita;  El  Paso;  San  Juan. 

Cousius  adustus  Woolman:  Chihuahua. 


xxxii          FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Tetragonopterus  mezicanus  Filippi:  Chihuahua;  Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez;  Mon- 
terey; San  Juan;  Montemorelos;  Brownsville;  Comanche  Spring;  Mon- 
clova. 

Anguilla  chrysypa  Rafinesque:  Matamoras;  Brownsville;  San  Juan. 

Dorosoma  exile  Jordan  &  Gilbert:  San  Juan. 

Fundulus  similis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Brownsville. 

Fundulus  zebrinus  (Jordan  &  Gilbert) :  Brownsville. 

Lucania  venusta  (Girard) :  Matamoras. 

Cyprinodon  eximius  Girard:  Chihuahua;  San  Andres;  Jimenez;  Santa  Rosalia. 

Cyprinodon  elegans  Baird  &  Girard:  Comanche  Spring. 

Gambusia  affinis  (Baird  &  Girard):  Comanche  Spring;  Chihuahua;  Cadereita; 
Matamoras;  Jimenez;  San  Andres;  Santa  Rosalia;  Monterey;  Monclova. 

Glaridichthys  latidens  (Garman) :  Chihuahua. 

Poecilia  couchiana  (Girard):  Monterey;  Cadereita. 

Poecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes;  San  Juan;  Monterey. 

Mollienesia  formosa  (Girard) :  Palo  Alto. 

Mollienesia  latipinna  Le  Sueur:  Brownsville;  Matamoras. 

Lepidopomus  cyanellus  Rafinesque:  Eagle  Pass;  Brownsville. 

Lepidopomus  occidentalis  Meek:  Jimenez;  Santa  Rosalia. 

Lepidopomus  haplognathus  Cope:  Monterey. 

Lepidopomus  pallidus  (Mitchill) :  Brownsville;  Cadereita. 

Eupomotis  heros  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Cadereita. 

Micropterus  salmonoides  (Lac6pede) :  San  Juan;  Montemorelos. 

Etheostoma  australe  (Jordan):  Chihuahua;  San  Andres;  Jimenez;  Santa  Rosalia. 

Etheostoma  pottsii  (Girard):  Chihuahua;  San  Andres;  Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez. 

Etheostoma  lepidum  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Brownsville. 

Haploidonotus  grunniens  Rafinesque:  Matamoras. 

Cichlasoma  pavonaceum  (Garman) :  Monclova. 

Cichlasoma  cyanoguttatum  (Baird  &  Girard):  Brownsville;  Fort  Brown;  Mata- 
moras; Cadereita;  San  Juan;  Montemorelos;  Monterey. 

Neetroplus  carpintis  Jordan  &  Snyder:  San  Juan. 

Philypnus  dormitor  (Lac6pede) :  Brownsville. 

Dormitator  maculatus  (Bloch) :  Brownsville. 

RIO  CASAS  GRANDES. 

This  is  a  small  mountain  stream  in  northern  Chihuahua  which 
flows  into  Lago  de  Guzman.  By  the  end  of  the  dry  season  the  lake 
becomes  nearly  or  entirely  dry,  and  there  is  very  little  water  in  the 
river  below  Terrasas. 

Below  is  a  list  of  the  fishes  known  from  this  river  and  its  trib- 
utaries : 

Amiurus  pricei  (Rutter) :  San  Diego. 

Pantosteus  plebeius  (Baird  &  Girard):  Rio  Mimbres;  Riojanos;  Colonia  Garcia; 

San  Diego;  Casas  Grandes;  Colonia  Juarez. 
Campostoma  ornatum  Girard:  Colonia  Garcia;  Colonia  Juarez. 
Pimelocephales  confertus  (Girard):  Colonia  Juarez ;  Guzman. 
Leuciscus  nigrescens  (Girard):  Riojanos;  Boca  Grande;  Rio  Mimbres;  Colonia 

Juarez;  San  Diego. 

Nototropis  formosus  (Girard):  Rio  Mimbres;  Colonia  Juarez. 
Cyprinodon  elegans  Baird  &  Girard:  Colonia  Juarez;  Guzman;  San  Diego. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxiii 

RIO  SANTA  MARIA. 

This  stream  is  parallel  to  the  Rio  Casas  Grandes  and  flows  into 
Lago  de  Santa  Maria  about  10  miles  southeast  of  Lago  de  Guzman. 
These  lakes  are  separated  by  a  comparatively  low  ridge,  but  so  high 
that  their  waters  have  not  been  connected  for  a  considerable  time. 
The  fishes  of  this  stream  are  but  little  known.     The  following  is  a  list 
of  those  known  from  it  at  present : 
Pimelocephales  confertus  (Girard) :  Santa  Maria. 
Leuciscus  nigrescens  (Girard) :  Santa  Maria. 
Nototropis  lutrensis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Santa  Maria. 
Nototropis  santamariae  Evermann  &  Goldsborough :  Santa  Maria. 
Nototropis  frigidus  (Girard) :  Santa  Maria. 
Cyprinodon  elegans  Baird  &  Girard:  Santa  Maria. 

RIO  CARMAN. 

This  is  a  small  river  east  of  the  Rio  Santa  Maria  and  flows  into 
Lago  de  Patos.     This  lake  becomes  dry  by  the  end  of  the  dry  season, 
and  there  is  no  water  in  the  river  for  some  distance  above  Ahumada. 
The  few  fishes  known  from  this  river  basin  were  taken  from  an  irrigat- 
ing ditch  near  Ahumada,  and  from  a  spring  at  San  Jose. 
Pantosteus  plebeius  (Baird  &  Girard:)  Ahumada. 
Leuciscus  nigrescens  (Girard) :  Reported  above  Ahumada. 
Nototropis  lutrensis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Ahumada;  San  Jose. 
Cyprinodon  eximius  Girard:  Ahumada. 

RIO  SAUZ. 

This  is  a  small  stream  about  fifteen  miles  in  length,  situated  a 
short  distance  north  of  the  City  of  Chihuahua.  At  Sauz,  about  the 
middle  of  its  course,  it  contains  a  small  amount  of  running  water 
during  the  dry  season. 

The  following  four  species  of  fishes  are  known  to  occur  there : 
Pantosteus  plebeius  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Sauz. 
Nototropis  lutrensis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Sauz. 
Cyprinodon  eximius  Girard:  Sauz. 
Gambusia  affinis  (Baird  &  Girard)  :  Sauz. 

LAGO  DE  CASTILLOS. 

This  small  mountain  lake  is  situated  on  the  divide  between  the 
head  waters  of  a  tributary  of  the  Rio  Grande  and  of  the  Rio  Yaqui. 
It  becomes  nearly  dry  by  the  last  of  June.  There  are  a  number  of 
springs  in  this  region  which  are  said  to  contain  small  fishes.  The  fol- 
lowing is  the  only  species  I  obtained  in  a  pond  left  by  the  drying  up 
of  this  lake: 
Leuciscus  nigrescens  (Girard) :  Bustillos. 

RIO  NAZAS. 

This  is  a  river  of  considerable  size  in  central  Mexico.  It  rises  in 
the  Sierra  Madre  Mountains  and  flows  into  Lago  de  Mayran.  By  the 


xxxiv         FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

end  of  the  dry  season  there  is  no  water  in  its  bed  and  little  or  none 
in  the  river  below  Lefdo.  The  Rio  Nieves  is  south  of  the  Rio  Nazas 
and  flows  into  Lago  de  Parras,  which  is  only  a  few  miles  south  of  Lago 
de  Mayran.  It  is  very  probable  that  at  some  former  time  these  two 
streams  united  near  here,  and  flowed  north  into  the  Rio  Grande  near 
the  border  line  between  the  States  of  Chihuahua  and  Coahuila. 

Below  is  a  list  of  the  fishes  known  from  these  rivers: 
Amiurus  price!  (Rutter) :  Lerdo. 
Carpiodes  tumidus  Baird  &  Girard:  San  Pedro. 

Pantosteus  plebeius  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Lerdo;  Santiago  Papasquiaro;  Rio  Nazas. 
Campostoma  ornatum  Girard:  Santiago  Papasquiaro. 
Hybognathus  episcopus  (Girard) :  Parras. 
Stypodon  signifer  Garman:  Lago  de  Parras. 

Leuciscus  nigrescens  (Girard) :  Lerdo;  Santiago  Papasquiaro;  Rio  Nazas;  Parras. 
Nototropis  ornatus  (Girard) :  Santiago  Papasquiaro. 
Nototropis  nazas  Meek:  Santiago  Papasquiaro. 

Nototropis  garmani  (Jordan):  Parras;  Lerdo;  Santiago  Papasquiaro. 
Tetragonopterus  mexicanus  Filippi:  Lago  del  Muerto;  Lerdo;   Santiago  Papas- 
quiaro. 

Characodon  garmani  Jordan  &  Evermann:  Parras. 
Cyprinodon  latifasciatus  Garman :  Parras. 
Etheostoma  pottsii  (Girard) :  Santiago  Papasquiaro. 

RIO  CONCHAS  SYSTEM. 

This  river  drains  only  a  small  area  east  of  the  Sierra  Madre 
and  south  of  the  lower  portion  of  the  Rio  Grande.  The  city  of 
Linares  is  situated  between  two  branches  of  the  stream ;  both  of  these 
branches  contain,  by  the  end  of  the  dry  season,  only  a  small  amount 
of  water.  The  following  is  the  list  of  fishes  known  from  this  river 
system.  Amiurus  lupus  (Girard)  and  Neetroplus  carpintis  J.  &  S. 
were  taken  only  in  the  stream  north  of  the  city ;  all  the  other  species 
were  taken  in  both  streams. 

Amiurus  lupus  (Girard) :  Linares. 
Carpiodes  elongatus  Meek:  Linares. 
Myzostoma  congestum  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Linares. 
Nototropis  lutrensis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Linares. 
Hybopsis  aestivalis  (Girard) :  Linares. 
Tetragonopterus  mexicanus  Filippi:  Linares. 
Fundulus  similis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Linares. 
Poacilia  sphenops  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes) :  Linares. 
Micropterus  salmonoides  (Lacepede) :  Linares. 
Cichlasoma  cyanoguttatum  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Linares. 
Neetroplus  carpintis  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Linares. 

RIO  SOTO   LA   MARINA   SYSTEM. 

This  river  and  its  tributaries  drain  a  comparatively  small  area 
east  of  the  Sierra  Madre  Mountains  and  between  the  Rio  Conchas  and 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxv 

the  Rio  Panuco.     I  visited  the  tributaries  of  this  river  where  they  are 
crossed  by  the  railroad. 

At  Garza  Valdez  most  of  the  river  bed  was  dry,  the  water  being 
confined  to  deep  holes.  The  bed  of  the  stream  was  covered  with  large 
waterworn  rocks,  indicating  a  rapid  current  during  the  wet  season. 
Along  the  banks  were  many  large  cedar  trees. 

The  tributary  at  La  Cruz  contained  at  the  time  of  my  visit  a  con- 
siderable amount  of  clear,  swiftly  running  water.  This  is  the  largest 
river  between  Tampico  and  Monterey,  and  it  no  doubt  contains  many 
more  fishes  than  any  other  of  the  streams  in  this  region.  Big  large- 
mouthed  black  bass,  catfish,  trucha,  cichlids,  and  suckers  could  be 
seen  in  abundance  from  the  bank. 

At  Santa  Engracia  there  was  but  little  running  water  in  the  river. 
Above  a  dam  near  the  railroad  bridge  the  water  in  the  channel  was 
in  many  places  over  six  feet  deep  and  very  clear.  This  stream  also 
contained  many  large-mouthed  black  bass,  a  few  of  which  I  captured. 
So  far  as  known  this  is  the  southern  limit  of  this  species.  Along  the 
banks  of  the  stream  are  also  many  large  cedar  trees.  The  trucha, 
or  trout  of  the  natives,  was  also  abundant,  but  I  was  unable  to  capture 
any  of  them. 

The  stream  at  Victoria  is  small,  and  I  found  but  little  water  in  it. 
Of  the  eighteen  species  known  from  this  river  system,  twelve*  are 
northern  forms  and  six  are  tropical. 
*Ichthyaelurus  furcatus  (Le  Sueur) :  Rio  Soto  la  Marina. 
*Amiurus  lupus  (Girard) :  Garza  Valdez;  La  Cruz. 
*Carpiodes  tumidus  Baird  &  Girard:  Garza  Valdez. 
*Carpiodes  elongatus  Meek:  La  Cruz. 

*Myzostoma  congestum  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Garza  Valdez;  Victoria. 
*Nototropis  braytoni  (Jordan  &  Evermann) :  Garza  Valdez;  La  Cruz;  Santa  En- 
gracia; Victoria. 
Tetragonopterus  mexicanus  Filippi:  Garza  Valdez;   La  Cruz;   Santa  Engracia; 

Victoria. 

*Anguilla  chrysypa  Rafinesque:  La  Cruz. 
*Fundulus  similis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Victoria. 

*Gambusia  affinis  (Baird  &  Girard):  Garza  Valdez;  La  Cruz;  Santa  Engracia. 
Platypcecilus  variatus  Meek:  Garza  Valdez;  Santa  Engracia;  Victoria. 
Poecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes:  Garza  Valdez;    La  Cruz;   Santa  En- 
gracia; Victoria. 

*Mollienesia  latipinna  Le  Sueur:  La  Vega. 

*Micropterus  salmonoides  (Lac6pede) :  La  Cruz;  Santa  Engracia. 
*Haploidonotus  grunniens  Rafinesque:  La  Cruz. 
Cichlasoma  cyanoguttatum  (Baird  &  Girard):   La  Cruz;   Garza  Valdez;  Santa 

Engracia;  Victoria. 
Neetroplus  carpintis  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Garza  Valdez;  La  Cruz;  Santa  Engracia; 

Victoria. 
Philypnus  dormitor  (Lacepede) :  Santa  Engracia;  La  Vega. 


xxxvi        FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

RIO  PANUCO  SYSTEM. 

The  Rio  Panuco  is  a  very  large  stream  flowing  into  the  Gulf  at 
Tampico.  Some  of  its  upper  tributaries  drain  a  portion  of  the  central 
plateau,  from  which  it  reaches  the  main  river  through  a  gap  in  the 
mountains  by  a  series  of  cascades  and  falls.  Near  the  mouth  of  the 
Rio  Panuco  are  several  large  salt  or  brackish  water  lagoons.  The  tide 
backs  up  into  the  river  and  lagoons  to  some  distance  above  the  city 
of  Tampico.  There  have  been  only  a  few  collections  of  fishes  made 
in  this  river  basin. 

The  Rio  Forlon,  which  at  Forlon  is  a  small  stream  in  the  dry 
season,  flows  over  a  rocky  and  gravelly  bed. 

The  Rio  Valles  at  Valles  is  a  broad  and  rather  sluggish  stream 
flowing  past  the  city  over  a  rocky  bed ;  for  some  distance  above  it  is 
deep  and  has  a  muddy  bottom. 

A  tributary  of  the  Rio  Valles  at  Rascon  has  a  more  rapid  current, 
and  its  water  is  very  clear.  It  flows  through  a  narrow  valley  in  which 
is  a  dense  forest  of  palms,  mesquite,  and  thickets  of  canes,  ferns,  and 
vines. 

The  Rio  San  Juan,  at  San  Juan  del  Rio,  becomes  nearly  dry  in  the 
dry  season,  as  does  also  the  Rio  Tula  at  Tula.  I  spent  one  day  at  San 
Juan  del  Rio  in  May,  1901,  collecting  fishes.  I  found  here  but  three 
species,*  which  properly  belong  to  the  fauna  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 

Dr.  W.  L.  Tower  made  a  small  collection  in  1904  in  the  Rio  Verde 
at  Rio  Verde.  Except  a  few  fishes  taken  by  Dr.  A.  Dug6s  in  Huas- 
teca  Potosina  in  northeastern  Guanajuato,  collections  of  fishes  have 
been  made  in  this  river  basin  only  at  the  places  mentioned  above. 

Of  the  thirty-two  species  recorded  from  this  river  basin,  fifteenf 
belong  to  the  northern  fauna,  the  others  are  tropical. 

Below  is  given  a  list  of  the  fishes  known  from  the  Rio  Panuco  and 
its  tributaries: 

fLepidosteus  osseus  (Linnaeus):  Forlon;  Valles;  Tampico. 
tLepidosteus  tristoechus  (Bloch  &  Schneider):  Tampico;  "Tamaulipas." 
tlchthyaelurus  furcatus  (Le  Sueur) :  Tampico. 
flchthyaelurus  punctatus  (Rafinesque) :  Forlon. 
fAmiurus  australis  Meek:  Forlon. 
tAmiurus  mexicanus  Meek:  Rio  Verde;  Rascon. 
fCarpiodes  tumidus  Baird  &  Girard:  Forlon;  Tampico. 
tCarpiodes  labiosus  Meek:  Valles. 

*Algansea  tincella  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes) :  San  Juan  del  Rio. 
fHybognathus  rasconis  (Jordan  &  Snyder) :  Rio  Verde;  Rascon;  Valles;  Forlon. 
*Aztecula  mexicana  Meek:  San  Juan  del  Rio. 
fNototropis  forlonensis  Meek:  Forlon;  Valles. 

Tetragonopterus  mexicanus  Filippi:  Rascon;  Valles;  Forlon;  Rio  Verde;  Tam- 
pico. 
fDorosoma  exile  Jordan  &  Gilbert:  Forlon;  Valles. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxvii 

Signalosa  mexicana  (Gunther) :  Valles. 

fFundulus  heteroclitus  (Linnaeus) :  Tampico. 

fCyprinodon  eximius  Girard:  Tampico. 

tGambusia  affinis  (Baird  &  Girard):  Forlon;  Valles;  Tampico. 

Goodea  toweri  Meek:  Rio  Verde. 

*Goodea  atripinnis  Jordan:  San  Juan  del  Rio. 

Platypoecilus  variatus  Meek:  Forlon;  Valles;  Rascon. 

Poecilia  latipunctata  Meek:  Forlon. 

Poecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes;  Forlon;  Valles;  Rascon;  Tampico. 

fMolienesia  latipinna  Le  Sueur:  Tampico. 

Xiphophorus  montezumse  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Rascon. 

Pomadasys  templei  Meek:  Valles. 

Cichlasoma  steindachneri  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Rascon;  Valles;  Forlon. 

Cichlasoma  bartoni  (Bean) :  Rio  Verde;  Huasteca  Potosina. 

Cichlasoma  cyanoguttatum  (Baird  &  Girard):  Forlon;  Rascon. 

Neetroplus  carpintis  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Forlon;  Valles;  Tampico. 

Philypnus  dormitor  (Lacepede) :  Tampico;  Forlon;  Valles;  Rascon. 

Chonophorus  taiasica  (Lichtenstein) :  Valles. 

RIO   MEZQUITAL  SYSTEM. 

The  Rio  Mezquital  rises  east  of  the  central  range  of  the  Sierra 
Madre  Mountains  and  empties  into  the  Pacific  Ocean  a  short  distance 
north  of  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande  de  Santiago.  I  visited  this 
river  at  Durango  where  it  is  a  rather  small  stream  with  a  sluggish 
current.  The  collection  of  fishes  made  here  is  of  especial  interest 
because  all  of  them,  except  three,*  belong  to  the  fauna  of  the 
Rio  Grande.  Characodon  jurcidens  J.  &  G.,  is  known  from  this  river 
only  near  its  mouth.  Of  the  eleven  species  from  this  river  Chara- 
codon garmani  J.  &  E.,  Characodon  furcidens  J.  &  G.,  and  Chirostoma 
mezquital  Meek,  are  the  only  ones  that  can  properly  be  ascribed  to 
the  southern  or  tropical  fauna. 

The  fishes  of  the  upper  portion  of  the  river  certainly  indicate  that 
it  was  at  some  former  time  a  portion  of  the  Rio  Grande  system. 

Characodon  garmani  Jordan  &  Evermann  is  very  abundant  in  a 
large  spring  in  the  city  of  Durango. 

Near  Labor,  about  eight  miles  from  Durango,  is  a  large  spring 
from  which  was  taken  three  species  of  fishes.  The  following  is  a  list 
of  fishes  known  from  this  river  system 

Amiurus  price!  (Rutter) :  Durango. 

Pantosteus  plebeius  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Durango. 

*Myzostoma  austrinum  Bean:  Durango. 

Hybognathus  episcopus  (Girard):  Durango;  Labor. 

Leuciscus  nigrescens  (Girard) :  Durango. 

Nototropis  ornatus  (Girard) :  Durango. 

Characodon  garmani  Jordan  &  Evermann:  Durango;  Labor. 

*Characodon  furcidens  Jordan  &  Gilbert:  Tuxpan. 

Cyprinodon  latifasciatus  Garman:  Labor;  Durango. 

*Chirostoma  mezquital  Meek:  Durango. 

Etheostoma  pottsii  (Girard) :  Durango. 


xxxviii        FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 
RIO   PRESIDIO  SYSTEM. 

The  Rio  Presidio  is  a  short  stream  on  the  western  slope  of  the 
Sierra  Madre  Mountains.  The  only  collection  of  fishes  known  from 
this  river  basin  was  made  by  Dr.  D.  S.  Jordan  at  Presidio,  a  short 
distance  above  its  mouth.  Here  the  stream  flows  with  consider- 
able current  over  a  sandy  and  gravelly  bed. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  species  taken  at  this  place : 

Poecilia  butleri  Jordan:  Presidio. 
Pcecilia  presidionis  Jordan  &  Culver:  Presidio. 
Siphostoma  starksi  Jordan  &  Culver:  Presidio. 
Thyrina  crystallina  Jordan  &  Culver:  Presidio. 
Agonostomus  monticola  Bancroft:  Presidio. 
Cichlasoma  beani  (Jordan) :  Presidio. 
Philypnus  dormitor  (Lacep^de) :  Presidio. 
Dormitator  maculata  (Bloch) :  Presidio. 
Eleotris  pictus  Kner  &  Steindachner:  Presidio. 
Chonophorus  taiasica  (Lichtenstein) :  Presidio. 
Achirus  mazatlanus  (Steindachner) :  Presidio. 
Achirus  fonsecensis  (Gunther) :  Presidio. 

RIO   YAQUI   SYSTEM. 

This  river,  like  the  Rio  Mesquital,  has  its  origin  east  of  the  Sierra 
Madre  Mountains,  and  the  fish  fauna  of  its  upper  tributaries  is  essen- 
tially that  of  the  Rio  Grande.  Very  little  is  known  concerning  the 
fishes  in  the  lower  part  of  this  river.  The  northern  tributaries,  or 
those  which  rise  near  the  head  waters  of  the  Rio  Gila,  contain  at  least 
a  few  Colorado  river  fishes.  Of  the  fourteen  species  listed  below, 
four*  properly  belong  to  the  Rio  Colorado  fauna ;  twof  are  known 
only  from  this  basin ;  the  remaining  eight  belong  to  the  Rio  Grande 
fauna. 

Amiurus  price!  (Rutter) :  Mifiaca:  "San  Bernardino  Creek." 

Pantosteus  plebeius  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Mifiaca. 

tCatostomus  sonorensis  Meek:  Mifiaca. 

tCatostomus  bernardini  Girard:  San  Bernardino  Creek;  Sonora. 

Campostoma  ornatum  Girard:  Rucker  Caflon. 

Pimelocephales  confertus  (Girard) :  Mifiaca. 

*Gila  minacae  Meek:  Mifiaca. 

Leuciscus  nigrescens  (Girard):  Mifiaca;  Morse  Cafion;  Opsura. 

Nototropis  ornatus  Girard:  Mifiaca. 

Nototropis  lutrensis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Mifiaca. 

*Agosia  chrysogaster  Girard:  Morse  Cafion;  Rucker  Cafion;  "near  summit  of 
Sierra  Madre." 

Cyprinodon  elegans  Baird  &  Girard;  Mifiaca. 

*Pcecilia  occidentalis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  San  Bernardino  Creek;  Opsura. 

*Salmo  irideus  Gibbons:  Reported  by  Mr.  Jno.  Ramsey  to  be  abundant  in  head- 
waters of  Rio  Yaqui. 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxix 

RIO  SONORA  SYSTEM. 

Concerning  the  fishes  of  this  river  very  little  is  known.  The  two 
or  three  species  known  from  it  indicate  that  its  fauna  is  that  of  the 
Rio  Colorado. 

Ptychocheilus  lucius  Girard:  Northern  Sonora.    (River  basin  doubtful.) 

Agosia  chrysogaster  Girard:  Hermosillo. 

Pcecilia  occidentalis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Hermosillo. 

COLORADO  RIVER  SYSTEM. 

This  river  drains  but  a  very  small  portion  of  Mexico.     I  have  here 
included  only  those  fishes  found  between  Yuma  and  the  Gulf  of 
California.     I  am  uncertain  as  to  whether  the  two  species  of  Agosia 
should  be  credited  to  the  Rio  Colorado  or  to  the  Rio  Yaqui.     The 
Rio  Santa  Cruz  may  possibly  belong  to  the  Rio  Sonora. 
Xyrauchen  cypho  (Lockington) :  Yuma;  Horseshoe  Bend. 
Ptychocheilus  lucius  Girard:  "Northern  Sonora";  Yuma;  Horseshoe  Bend. 
Gila  elegans  Baird  &  Girard:  Yuma;  Horseshoe  Bend. 
Agosia  oscula  (Girard) :  Rio  Santa  Cruz ;  Sonora. 
Agosia  chrysogaster  Girard:  "Rio  Santa  Cruz." 
Plagopterus  argentissimus  Cope:  Yuma. 
Cyprinodon  macularis  Baird  &  Girard:  Lerdo. 
Gillichthys  detrusus  Gilbert  &  Scofield:  Horseshoe  Bend. 

LOWER  CALIFORNIA. 

There  are  only  a  few  streams  in  Lower  California,  and  but  little 
is  known  concerning  the  fishes  which  inhabit  them.  Mr.  Heller 
found  but  one  species,  Salmo  irideus  Gibbons,  in  the  streams  of  the 
northern  part  of  this  peninsula.  Three  species  have  been  taken  from 
either  La  Paz  or  Cape  San  Lucas,  most  likely  from  the  former  place. 
The  other  species  known  from  the,  fresh  waters  of  this  region  were 
taken  in  the  Rio  San  Jose,  near  San  Jose  del  Cabo. 

Salmo  irideus  Gibbons:  San  Antonio. 

Fundulus  vinctus  Jordan  &  Gilbert:  La  Paz;  or  Cape  San  Lucas. 
Fundulus  extensis  Jordan  &  Gilbert:  La  Paz  or  Cape  San  Lucas. 
Characodon  furcidens  Jordan  &  Gilbert:  La  Paz  or  Cape  San  Lucas. 
Siphostoma  starksi  Jordan  &  Culver:  San  Jose  del  Cabo. 
Agonostomus  monticola  (Bancroft) :  San  Jose  del  Cabo. 
Neomugil  digueti  Vailliant:  Sierra  de  las  Cacachilas  de  Santa  Cruz. 
Pomadasys  bayanus  Jordan  &  Evermann:  San  Jose  del  Cabo. 
Philypnus  dormitor  (Lac£pede) :  San  Jose  del  Cabo;  Cape  San  Lucas. 
Dormitator  maculatus  (Bloch) :  San  Jose  del  Cabo. 
Eleotris  pictus  Kner  &  Steindachner:  San  Jose  del  Cabo. 
Chonophorus  taiasica  (Lichtenstein) :  San  Jose  del  Cabo. 

RIO  GRANDE  DE  SANTIAGO  SYSTEM. 

The  Rio  Grande  de  Santiago  and  its  largest  tributary  form  the 
longest  stream  in  Mexico,  draining  a  considerably  elevated  plateau 


xl  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

on  which  are  a  number  of  fresh-water  lakes;  one  of  these,  Lago  de 
Chapala,  is  the  largest  fresh-water  lake  in  Mexico. 

A  number  of  lakes  in  this  drainage  basin  have  no  outlet,  and  in 
some,  as  Lago  de  Patzcuaro  and  Lago  de  Cuitzeo,  the  water  is  quite 
brackish.  The  fishes  of  this  drainage  basin  are  quite  distinct  from 
those  of  the  neighboring  rivers.  The  Valley  of  Mexico  was  no  doubt 
formerly  a  portion  of  this  river  basin.  The  fishes  found  in  the  Rio 
San  Juan  at  San  Juan  del  Rio  indicate  that  the  head  waters  of  that 
river  were  also  at  one  time  a  tributary  of  the  Lerma. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  fishes  known  from  this  river  system : 

Lampetra  spadicea  Bean:  Guanajuato;  Tanganzicuaro;  Chapala. 

Amiurus  dugesi  Bean:   Turbio;  Guanajuato;  Salamanca;  La  Barca;  La  Palma; 

"Estado  de  Jalisco";  Ocotlan;  Chapala. 
Myzostoma  austrinum  Bean:  Piedad;    Salamanca;  Aguas  Calientes;   Ataquiza; 

Ocotlan;  La  Palma. 

Xystrosus  popoche  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Chapala;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma. 
Algansea  tincella  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes):  Salamanca;  Aguas  Calientes;  Lagos; 

Celaya;  Acambaro;  "Estado  de  Jalisco." 
Algansea  dugesi  Bean:  "Lago  de  Yuriria." 
Algansea  rubescens  Meek:  Ocotlan. 
Algansea  lacustris  Steindachner:  Patzcuaro. 

Falcula  chapalae  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Chapala;  Ocotlan;  La  Barca;  La  Palma. 
Aztecula  lennae  (Evermann  &  Goldsborough) :  Lerma. 

Nototropis  calientis  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Aguas  Calientes;  Ocotlan;  Acambaro. 
Hybopsis  altus  (Jordan) :  Tupataro;  Salamanca;  Rio  Cuitzeo;  Lagos;  Aguas  Cal- 
ientes; Acambaro;  Celaya. 

Zoogoneticus  cuitzeoensis  (B.  A.  Bean):  Cuitzeo;  Ocotlan;  La  Barca. 
Zoogoneticus  dugesi  (Bean):  Guanajuato;  Patzcuaro;  Lagos. 
Zoogoneticus  robustus  (Bean) :  Chapala;  Cuitzeo;  Ocotlan;  Patzcuaro;  Zirahuen; 

"Guanajuato." 

Zoogoneticus  maculatus  Regan:  Rio  Santiago. 
Zoogoneticus  diazi  Meek:  Patzcuaro;  Zirahuen. 
Characodon  multiradiatus  Meek:  Lerma. 
Characodon  eiseni  Rutter:  Tepic. 
Characodon  variatus  Bean:    Salamanca;    Aguas    Calientes;     Lagos;     Ocotlan; 

Huingo;  Celaya;  "Guanajuato." 
Characodon  lateralis  Gunther:  "Estado  de  Jalisco." 
Chapalichthys  encaustus  (Jordan  &  Snyder):  Chapala;  Ocotlan;  La  Barca;   La 

Palma;  "Estado  de  Jalisco;" 
Gambusia  infans  Woolman:  Salamanca;  Celaya;  Ocotlan;  La  Barca;   Huingo; 

"Lago  de  Zacoalco." 
Goodea  luitpoldi    (Steindachner):    Patzcuaro;    Ocotlan;    La  Barca;    La  Palma; 

"Lago  de  Zacoalco." 
Goodea  atripinnis  Jordan:  Aguas  Calientes;  Celaya;  Acambaro;  Huingo;  Leon; 

Lagos. 

Skiffia  multipunctata  (Pellegrin) :  Ocotlan;  Jalisco  (Estado). 
Skiffia  lermae  Meek:  Celaya;  Patzcuaro. 
Skiffia  variegata  Meek :  Zirahuen. 
Skiffia  bilineata  (Bean):  Huingo;  "Rio  Lerma,  Guanajuato." 


INTRODUCTION.  xli 

Poecilia  occidentalis  (Baird  &  Girard) :  Tepic. 

Chirostoma  jordani  Woolman:  Salamanca;    Cuitzeo;    Aguas   Calientes;    Lagos; 

Ocotlan;  Acambaro;  Huingo. 

Chirostoma  arge  (Jordan  &  Snyder) :  Aguas  Calientes;  Lagos. 
Chirostoma  bartoni  Jordan  &  Evermann:  Lerma;  "near  Guanajuato." 
Chirostoma  attenuatum  Meek:  Patzcuaro. 
Chirostoma  labarcae  Meek:  La  Barca;  La  Palma. 
Chirostoma  patzcuaro  Meek:  Patzcuaro. 
Chirostoma  zirahuen  Meek:  Zirahuen. 
Chirostoma  humboldtiamim  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes) :  La  Laguna;  Lago  de Juan- 

acatlan;  Patzcuaro. 
Chirostoma  chapalse  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Chapala;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma;  "Estado 

de  Jalisco." 

Chirostoma  grandocule  Steindachner:  Patzcuaro;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma. 
Chirostoma  promelas  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Chapala;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma;  "Estado 

de  Jalisco." 

Chirostoma  sphyraena  Boulenger;  Chapala. 

Chirostoma  lucius  Boulenger:  Chapala,  Ocotlan;  La  Palma;  La  Barca. 
Chirostoma  lermae  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Chapala;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma. 
Chirostoma  ocotlanse  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Ocotlan;  La  Palma;  "Estado  de  Jalisco." 
Chirostoma  estor  Jordan:  Patzcuaro;  Chapala. 
Agonostomus  monticola  (Bancroft);  Rio  Santiago. 
Cichlasoma  beani  (Jordan) :  Tepic. 

VALLEY  OF   MEXICO. 

The  Valley  of  Mexico  was  formerly  a  part  of  the .  Lerma  drainage 
system,  though  it  has  not  natural  outlet  to  the  sea.  The  following 
is  a  list  of  the  fishes  known  to  this  valley.  All  of  these  species  except 
five*  have  been  taken  in  the  basin  of  the  Lerma,  and  but  one  of  these, 
Aztecula  vittata  (Girard) ,  in  the  basin  of  the  Rio  Balsas. 

Algansea  tincella  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes) :  Chalco;  Texcoco;  Viga  Canal. 

*Aztecula  vittata  (Girard) :  Chalco;  Texcoco;  Xochimilco;  Viga  Canal. 

*Evarra  eigenmanni  Woolman:  Tlahuac;  "Valley  of  Mexico." 

*Evarra  tlahuacensis  Meek:  Tlahuac. 

*Zoogoneticus  miniatus  Meek:  Chalco. 

*Girardinichthys  innominatus  Bleeker:  Chalco;  Texcoco;  Xochimilco;  Viga  Canal. 

Skiffia  variegata  Meek:  Chalco. 

Chirostoma  jordani  Woolman:  Chalco;  Texcoco;  Xochimilco;  Viga  Canal. 

Chirostoma  humboldtianum   (Cuvier    &    Valenciennes) :    Chalco ;    Xochimilco ; 

Viga  Canal. 
Chirostoma  estor  Jordan:  Xochimilco. 

RIO  SAN   FRANCISCO  SYSTEM. 

At  La  Antigua  and  San  Francisco  the  Rio  San  Francisco  is  a  broad 
stream  with  a  gravelly  or  a  sandy  bottom;  the  former  place  is  just 
above  tide-water.  At  San  Francisco  the  stream  is  quite  rapid.  I 
.made  a  small  collection  of  fishes  at  these  two  places,  also  one  at  Jalapa 
and  one  at  Xico.  The  stream  at  Jalapa  is  small,  and  from  it  were  taken 
only  two  species.  .«. 


xlii  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

At  Xico  there  is  a  waterfall  of  260  feet,  which  is  used  for  power 
to  generate  electricity  for  lighting  several  cities  in  this  region.  I 
found  but  one  species  of  fish  above  these  falls.  The  streams  at  Perote 
and  at  Tezuitlan  contain  no  fishes,  and  it  is  probable  that  none  are 
found  in  this  region  at  a  greater  altitude  than  Xico,  or  not  exceeding 
6,000  feet. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  species  known  from  the  Rio  San  Fran- 
cisco and  its  tributaries: 

Dorosoma  exile  Jordan  &  Gilbert:  La  Antigua. 

Pseudoxiphophorus  bimaculatus  (Heckel):  Jalapa;  Xico. 

Poecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes:  La  Antigua. 

Xiphophorus  jalapae  Meek:  Jalapa. 

Tylosurus  marinus  (Walbaum) :  San  Francisco. 

Centropomus  mexicanus  Bocourt:  San  Francisco. 

Cichlasoma  parma  (Giinther) :  La  Antigua;  San  Francisco. 

Philypnus  dormitor  (Lacepede) :  San  Francisco;  La  Antigua. 

Gobius  parvus  Meek:  La  Antigua. 

Gobius  claytoni  Meek:  La  Antigua;  San  Francisco. 

Chonophorus  taiasica  (Lichtenstein) :  La  Antigua;  San  Francisco. 

LAS  LACUNAS,  NEAR  VERA  CRUZ. 

Near  the  city  of  Vera  Cruz  are  a  large  number  of  sand  dunes, 
among  which  are  ponds,  swamps,  and  small  lakes  (Las  Lagunas)  con- 
taining fresh  water.  These  usually  have  an  outlet  to  the  sea.  One 
of  these,  about  two  miles  north  of  the  city,  was  visited,  and  from  it 
the  following  species  of  fishes,  except  one,*  were  taken: 

*Symbranchus  marmoratus  Bloch:  Vera  Cruz. 
Pcecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes:  Vera  Cruz. 
Agonostomus  monticola  (Bancroft):  Vera  Cruz. 
Cichlasoma  hedricki  Meek:  Vera  Cruz. 
Cichlasoma  parma  (Giinther) :  Vera  Cruz. 
Cichlasoma  melanurum  (Giinther) :  Vera  Cruz. 
Dormitator  maculatus  (Bloch) :  Vera  Cruz. 
Eleotris  pisonis  (Gmelin) :  Vera  Cruz. 
Gobius  parvus  Meek:  Vera  Cruz. 
Gobius  claytoni  Meek:  Vera  Cruz. 

BOCA   DEL   RIO  SYSTEM. 

The  river  at  Boca  del  Rio  is  broad  and  its  water  brackish.  A 
short  distance  above  the  city  it  is  quite  fresh,  but  the  fishes  are  mostly 
salt-water  forms. 

Below  is  given  a  list  of  the  species  taken  which  I  have  included 
as  fresh-water  fishes: 

Paragambusia  nicaraguensis  (Gunther) :  Boca  del  Rio. 
Belonesox  belizanus  Kner:  Boca  del  Rio. 
Pcecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes:  Boca  del  Rio. 
Siphostoma  brevicaudum  Meek:  Boca  del  Rio. 


INTRODUCTION.  xliii 

Centropomus  mexicanus  Bocourt:  Boca  del  Rio. 
Cichlasoma  parma  (Gunther) :  Boca  del  Rio. 
Philypnus  dormitor  (Lace"p£de) :  Boca  del  Rio. 
Dormitator  maculatus  (Bloch) :  Boca  del  Rio. 
Eleotris  pisonis  (Gmelin) :  Boca  del  Rio. 
Gobius  parvus  Meek:  Boca  del  Rio. 
Gobius  claytoni  Meek:  Boca  del  Rio. 

RIO   BLANCO  SYSTEM. 

The  Rio  Blanco  rises  at  the  foot  of  Mt.  Orizaba  and  flows  into  the 
Gulf  about  thirty  miles  south  of  Vera  Cruz.  I  visited  this  river  at  Rio 
Blanco  and  one  of  its  tributaries  at  Cordoba.  The  upper  part  of  its 
course  is  a  mountain  torrent.  The  tributary  at  Cordoba  was  nearly 
dry,  the  water  being  confined  to  holes  among  the  huge  boulders  along 
its  bed.  This  stream  becomes  a  mountain  torrent  in  the  rainy  season. 
At  Rio  Blanco  the  banks  were  so  steep  and  although  the  current  is 
sluggish,  it  was  impossible  to  use  a  seine  here  with  any  success.  The 
fish  fauna  of  this  river  is  certainly  much  greater  than  the  present 
list  would  indicate. 

Amiurus  australis  Meek:  Rio  Blanco. 
Rhamdia  oaxacae  Meek:  Rio  Blanco;  Cordoba. 
Rhamdia  brachyptera   (Cope) :   Orizaba. 
Tetragonopterus  aeneus  Gunther:  Cordoba. 
Pseudoxiphophorus  bimaculatus  (Heckel) :  Orizaba;  Cordoba. 
Gambusia  gracilis  (Heckel) :  Orizaba. 
Xiphophorus  helleri  Heckel:  Cordoba. 
Chonophorus  taiasica  (Lichtenstein) :  Orizaba. 

RIO  OTOPA  SYSTEM. 

The  River  Otopa  is  a  small  stream  about  35  miles  south  of  Vera 
Cruz.  When  visited  the  water  was  very  low,  and  the  river  consisted 
of  a  few  deep  holes  with  very  little  running  water  between  them. 
The  bottom  was  sandy.  At  Otopa  the  railroad  bridge  is  a  single  span 
of  about  75  feet. 

The  following  fishes  were  taken  at  this  place : 

Ichthyaelurus  meridionalis  (Gunther) :  Otopa. 
Rhamdia  oaxacae  Meek:  Otopa. 
Tetragonopterus  aeneus  Gunther:  Otopa. 
Dorosoma  anale  Meek:  Otopa. 
Pseudoxiphophorus  bimaculatus  (Heckel) :  Otopa. 
Paragambusia  nicaraguensis  (Gunther) :  Otopa. 
Belonesox  belizanus  Kner:  Otopa. 
Heterandria  lutzi  Meek:  Otopa. 
Pcecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes:  Otopa. 
Xiphophorus  helleri  Heckel:  Otopa. 
Agonostomus  monticola  (Bancroft):  Otopa. 
Cichlasoma  melanurum  (Gunther) :  Otopa. 
Thorichthys  helleri  (Steindachner) :  Otopa. 


xliv          FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 
RIO   PAPALOAPAM  SYSTEM. 

The  Rio  Papaloapam  and  its  tributaries  drain  nearly  all  of  the 
eastern  slope  of  Mexico  between  the  Rio  Blanco  and  the  Isthmus  of 
Tehuantepec.  Owing  to  the  abundance  of  rainfall  in  this  region  this 
river  and  its  principal  tributaries  are  much  larger  than  their  drainage 
area  would  indicate. 

The  largest  bridge  in  the  republic  crosses  the  Papaloapam  at  El 
Hule.  The  portion  of  the  bridge  which  crosses  the  main  channel  is 
1,100  feet  in  length.  Much  of  this  drainage  area  is  a  dense  jungle  of 
palms,  various  other  species  of  trees,  shrubs,  and  vines. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  known  fishes  from  this  river  system; 
all  except  three*  properly  belong  to  the  tropical  fauna. 

Galeichthys  aguadulce  Meek:  Perez. 

Rhamdia  oazacae  Meek:  Cuicatlan;  Motzorongo;  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez. 

Rhamdia  brachyptera  (Cope) :  Motzorongo. 

*Carpiodes  meridionalis  (Giinther) :  Perez. 

Tetragonopterus  mexicanus  Filippi:  Cuicatlan;  Venta  Salada. 

Tetragonopterus  aeneus  Gunther:  Motzorongo;  Refugio;  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez; 
San  Juan  Evangelista. 

Hemigrammus  compressus  Meek:  El  Hule;  Obispo. 

*Dorosoma  anale  Meek:  El  Hule;  Perez;  San  Juan  Evangelista. 

*Dorosoma  exile  Jordan  &  Gilbert:  Cademaco. 

Signalosa  mexicana  (Gunther):  Obispo;  El  Hule;  Perez. 

Cynodonichthys  tenuis  Meek:  El  Hule. 

Pseudoxiphophorus  bimaculatus  (Heckel) :  Motzorongo;  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez. 

Gambusia  bonita  Meek:  Motzorongo;  Refugio. 

Paragambusia  nicaraguensis  (Gunther):  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez. 

Belonesox  belizanus  Kner:  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez. 

Platypcecilus  maculatus  Gunther:  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez. 

Heterandria  lutzi  Meek:  Cuicatlan;  Venta  Salada;  El  Hule;  Perez;  Motzorongo. 

Poecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes:  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez;  San  Juan 
Evangelista. 

Xiphophorus  helleri  Heckel:  Motzorongo;  Refugio;  El  Hule;  Obispo. 

Tylosurus  marinus  (Walbaum) :  Perez. 

Menidia  lisa  Meek:  Refugio;  El  Hule. 

Agonostomus  monticola  (Bancroft):  Cuicatlan;  Motzorongo. 

Centropomus  mexicanus  Bocourt:  El  Hule;  Perez. 

Pomadasys  starri  Meek:  Perez. 

Pomadasys  templei  Meek:  Perez. 

Cichlasoma  salvini  (Gunther):  Motzorongo;  Refugio;  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez. 

Cichlasoma  hedricki  Meek:  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez. 

Cichlasoma  par  ma  (Gunther):  Obispo;  Perez. 

Cichlasoma  melanurum  (Gunther):  Cuicatlan;  Motzorongo;  Obispo;  Perez. 

Cichlasoma  eigenmanni  Meek:  Venta  Salada. 

Cichlasoma  nebulifer  (Gunther) :  San  Juan  Evangelista. 

Thorichthys  helleri  (Steindachner) :  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez;  San  Juan  Evan- 
gelista. 

Thorichthys  ellioti  Meek:  Motzorongo. 


INTRODUCTION.  xlv 

Philypnus  dormitor  (Lac6pede) :  Motzorongo ;  Obispo;  Perez. 
Dormitator  maculatus  (Bloch) :  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez. 
Chonophorus  taiasica  (Lichtenstein):  Perez. 
Achirus  fasciatus  Lacepede:  Perez. 

RIO  SAN  GERON1MO  SYSTEM. 

This  stream  was  visited  at  San  Geronimo.  It  is  a  small  river 
flowing  with  considerable  current  over  a  sandy  bottom. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  species  taken  from  it: 
Tetragonopterus  aeneus  Giinther:  San  Geronimo. 
Roeboidesf  guatemalensis  (Giinther) :  San  Geronimo. 
Gambusia  fasciata  Meek:  San  Geronimo. 
Heterandria  pleurospilus  (Giinther) :  San  Geronimo. 
Pcecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes:  San  Geronimo. 
Siphostoma  starksi  Jordan  &  Culver:  San  Geronimo. 
Cichlasoma  mojarra  Meek:  San  Geronimo. 
Cichlasoma  melanurum  (Giinther) :  San  Geronimo. 

RIO   TEHUANTEPEC  SYSTEM. 

I  visited  this  river  at  Tehuantepec.  Its  water  was  low,  flowing 
over  a  sandy  bed  with  a  moderate  current. 

The  following  fishes  are  known  to  occur  in  this  river: 

Tetragonopterus  aeneus  Giinther:  Tehuantepec. 
Gambusia  fasciata  Meek:  Tehuantepec. 
Anableps  dovii  Gill:  Tehuantepec;  Tequisistlan. 
Heterandria  lutzi  Meek:  Tehuantepec. 
Pcecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes:  Tehuantepec. 
Mugil  cephalus  Linnaeus:  Tehuantepec. 
Cichlasoma  evermanni  Meek:  Tehuantepec. 
Philypnus  dormitor  (Lacepede) :  Tehuantepec. 

RIO   VERDE  SYSTEM. 

The  Rio  Verde  is  a  small  Pacific  coast  stream  heading  a  short  dis- 
tance above  Oaxaca.  When  we  visited  this  stream  near  Oaxaca  it 
was  nearly  dry;  its  bed  being  broad  and  covered  with  sand.  A  few 
holes  in  the  bed  contained  a  few  small  fishes  belonging  to  two  species. 

Tetragonopterus  aeneus  Gunther:  Oaxaca. 
Fundulus  oaxacae  Meek:  Oaxaca. 
Heterandria  lutzi  Meek:  Oaxaca. 

RIO  BALSAS  SYSTEM. 

The  Rio  Balsas  is  the  second  largest  river  in  Mexico,  which  flows 
into  the  Pacific  Ocean.  It  drains  most  of  the  area  between  the  zone 
of  recent  volcanoes,  which  forms  the  water-shed  between  it  and  the 
Rio  Lerma,  and  the  Sierra  Madre  del  Sur.  The  water  in  all  the  trib- 
utaries examined  by  me  is  clear  and  flows  over  a  sandy  or  rocky  bot- 
tom. In  comparison  to  the  size  of  this  river  the  number  of  species 
of  fishes  known  from  it  is  small. 


xlvi  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Istlarius  balsanus  Jordan  &  Snyder:  Cuautla;  Jojutla;  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas. 

Aztecula  vittata  (Girard) :  Puebla. 

Nototropis  boucardi  (Giinther) :  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas;  Cuernavaca;  Cuautla, 
Yautepec;  Jojutla;  Atlixco;  Matamoras;  Chietla. 

Tetragonopterus  mexicanus  Filippi:  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas;  Cuautla;  Yautepec; 
Jojutla;  Atlixco;  Chietla;  Cuernavaca;  Matamoras. 

Gambusia  gracilis  (Heckel) :  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas;  Cuautla;  Yautepec;  Jo- 
jutla; Chietla. 

Goodea  white!  Meek:  Cuautla;  Yautepec. 

Platypcecilus  nelson!  Meek:  Papayo. 

Pcecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes:  Jojutla;  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas. 

Melaniris  balsanus  Meek:  Balsas. 

Agonostomus  monticola  (Bancroft):  Balsas;  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Cuautla;  Jojutla. 

Cichlasoma  istlanum  (Jordan  &  Snyder):  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas;  Yautepec; 
Jojutla;  Chietla;  Papayo. 

Chonophorus  taiasica  (Lichtenstein) :  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas;  Cuautla. 

LIST  OF  FISHES  FROM  VARIOUS  LOCALITIES  NOT  REFERA- 
BLE TO  ANY  OF  THE  RIVER  SYSTEMS  NAMED  ABOVE. 

Tetragonopterus  aeneus  Gunther:  Sanborn,  Vera  Cruz. 

Symbranchus  marmoratus  Bloch:  Santa  Maria,  Vera  Cruz. 

Characodon  furcidens  Jordan  &  Gilbert:  Colima. 

Pseudoxiphophorus  bimaculatus  (Heckel) :  Sanborn,  Vera  Cruz ;  Mirador,  Vera 

Cruz. 

Pcecilia  butleri  Jordan:  Salina  Cruz,  Oaxaca. 
Poecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes:  Santa  Maria,  Vera  Cruz. 
Xiphophorus  helleri  Heckel:  Sanborn,  Vera  Cruz. 
Agonostomus  monticola  (Bancroft):  Ixtapa,  near  the  Bay  of  Banderas,  Jalisco; 

Maria  Magdalena  Islands;  Maria  Cleofa  Islands;  Santa  Maria. 
Joturus  pichardi  Poey :  Misantla. 

Cichlasoma  mento  (Vaillant  &  Pellegrin) :  Rio  Negro,  Southern  Mexico. 
Cichlasoma  beani  (Jordan) :  Rosario,  Sinaloa. 

Cichlasoma  heterodontum  (Vaillant  &  Pellegrin) :  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec. 
Cichlasoma  melanurum  (Gunther) :  Santa  Maria,  Vera  Cruz. 
Ethorichthys  helleri  (Steindachner) :  Santa  Maria,  Vera  Cruz ;  Santo  Domingo 

de  Guzman. 

Philypnus  dormitor  (Lac£pede) :  Dominica  and  Santa  Maria,  Vera  Cruz. 
Gobius  microdon  Gilbert:  San  Juan  Lagoon,  north  of  Rio  Ahome. 
Chonophorus  nelson!  (Evermann):  Rosario,  Sinaloa. 
Chonophorus  mexicanus  Gunther:  Santa  Maria. 

GEOGRAPHICAL  DISTRIBUTION   OF  FRESH -WATER  FISHES 

OF  MEXICO. 

In  the  study  of  the  distribution  of  fishes  over  any  particular  area 
it  is  necessary  to  consider  the  origin  of  the  fauna  or  faunas  represented, 
the  means  and  routes  of  travel,  and  the  significance  of  the  barriers 
along  these  routes.  None  of  the  fishes  in  Mexico  are  able  to  travel 
overland,  their  only  highways  of  travel  being  the  streams  and  lakes. 


INTRODUCTION.  xlvii 

It  is  often  argued  that  fishes  are  taken  accidentally  by  water  birds 
from  one  body  of  water  to  the  other.  We  have  no  positive  evidence 
that  this  has  ever  been  done,  but  we  have  enough  negative  evidence 
to  warrant  us  in  doubting  its  possibility.  Without  going  into  the 
discussion  of  this  subject  I  will  mention  an  example  bearing  upon  it 
which  is  at  least  suggestive.  When  Shoshone  and  Lewis  lakes  in  the 
Yellowstone  Park  were  discovered,  there  were  no  fishes  in  them, 
while  only  a  few  miles  distant  were  lakes  and  streams  quite  abun- 
dantly supplied.  These  streams  and  lakes  were  stocked  through 
Two-Ocean  Pass*  from  the  head  waters  of  the  Snake  River,  but  the 
falls  in  the  Lewis  River  prevented  the  fishes  from  entering  Lewis  and 
Shoshone  lakes.  If  water  birds  were  at  all  active  agents  in  the  dis- 
tribution of  fishes,  these  two  lakes  would  have  undoubtedly  been  well 
stocked. 

As  shown  by  the  foregoing  lists,  there  are  in  Mexico  four  quite 
distinct  fish  faunas.  Two  of  these  have  migrated  or  resulted  through 
migrations  from  the  north,  one  from  the  south,  while  the  other  had  its 
origin  within  the  country.  The  fish  fauna  of  northern  Mexico  is 
essentially  that  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  eastern  United  States. 
The  two  large  rivers  which  have  furnished  highways  through  which  this 
portion  of  Mexico  became  stocked  with  fishes  are  the  Colorado  and  the 
Rio  Grande.  The  former  flows  into  the  Gulf  of  California,  the  latter 
into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  In  their  upper  courses  these  two  rivers  are 
near  each  other,  but  their  fishes  are  not  the  same.  The  only  fish 
common  to  both  river  basins  is  a  small  dace,  Rhinichthys  dulcis  (Gir- 
ard),  which  is  also  found  in  the  head  waters  of  the  Arkansas,  the 
Missouri,  and  the  Columbia  rivers.  From  the  Colorado  River  thirty- 
two  species  of  fishes  are  known,  twenty-two  of  which  are  thus  far 
peculiar  to  this  basin.  Only  four  or  five  species  of  Colorado  River 
fishes  are  at  present  known  from  the  Rio  Sonora  and  the  Rio  Yaqui ; 
however  the  lower  courses  of  these  two  rivers,  where  we  would  expect 
Colorado  river  fishes,  have  been  but  little  explored. 

There  are  in  all  about  eighty-seven  species  known  from  the  Rio 
Grande  Basin;  and  according  to  Dr.  Evermann  and  Dr.  Kendall,! 
twenty-three  of  these  are  found  in  the  Wabash  River  in  Indiana. 
In  the  Rio  Grande  Basin  in  Mexico  there  are  seventy  species.  It  is 
interesting  to  note  that  eight  of  these  have  been  found  in  the  head 
waters  of  the  Rio  Yaqui,  and  eight  in  the  head  waters  of  the  Rio 
Mezquital.  In  fact,  the  fish  fauna  of  the  head  waters  of  these  two 
streams  is  essentially  that  of  the  Rio  Grande. 


*Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1891,  24. 
U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1892,   57-126. 


xlviii          FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

The  presence  in  the  Rio  Yaqui  of  so  many  fishes  from  the  Rio 
Grande  basin  can  be  thus  interpreted:  The  head  waters  of  the  Rio 
Paphigochic,  a  tributary  of  the  Rio  Yaqui,  lie  east  of  the  central  range 
of  the  Sierra  Madre.  That  portion  of  this  stream  no  doubt  formerly 
had  its  outlet  into  the  Rio  Conchos  and  in  this  way  became  stocked 
with  fishes  from  the  Rio  Grande.  The  fact  that  the  fauna  of  the  Rio 
Yaqui  is  so  much  like  that  of  the  isolated  river  basins  in  northern 
Mexico  rather  strengthens  this  belief,  though  its  ultimate  proof 
must  depend  on  the  geologist.  The  same  is  probably  true  concerning 
that  portion  of  the  Rio  Mezquital  which  lies  east  of  the  central  range 
of  the  Sierra  Madre.  It  would  be  interesting  to  compare  the  fauna 
of  the  upper  with  that  of  the  lower  portion  of  these  rivers.  No  col- 
lection of  fishes  has  been  made  in  the  head  waters  of  the  Pacific  Coast 
streams  between  the  Rio  Yaqui  and  the  Rio  Mezquital,  but  we  may 
reasonably  suppose  that  the  portions  of  those  streams  east  of  the  main 
range  of  the  Sierra  Madre  contain  Rio  Grande  fishes.  From  the  Rio 
Presidio,  which  flows  into  the  Pacific  Ocean  near  Mazatlan,  a  col- 
lection of  fishes  was  made  (at  Presidio)  a  short  distance  from  its 
mouth  by  Dr.  D.  S.  Jordan.  Of  the  twelve  species  taken  here,  not 
one  belongs  to  the  northern  fresh-water  fauna.  Two  species*  are 
brackish  water  fishes,  onef  belongs  to  the  tropical  fresh-water  fauna, 
while  the  other  species  J  are  salt-water  forms  which  have  become  more 
or  less  established  in  fresh  water.  The  fishes  listed  from  the  lower  por- 
tion of  the  Rio  Presidio  are  much  the  same  as  those  from  the  Rio  San 
Jose  in  lower  California.  It  is  quite  probable  that  the  list  of  fishes 
from  these  two  places  fairly  well  represent  the  fish  fauna  of  the  lower 
portion  of  all  of  the  Pacific  Coast  streams  between  the  Rio  Yaqui  and 
the  Rio  Grande  de  Santiago.  As  mentioned  before,  it  is  probable  that 
the  portions  of  the  upper  tributaries  of  these  rivers  which  lie  east  of  the 
main  range  of  the  Sierra  Madre  have  in  them  fishes  belonging  to  the 
Rio  Grande  fauna,  and  this  fauna  has  been  obtained  by  capturing 
upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Grande.  All  of  these  Pacific  slope 
streams  reach  the  sea  evidently  in  a  long  series  of  cascades  and  falls 
which  are  sufficient  barriers  to  prevent  fishes  from  migrating  in  either 
direction.  Fishes  are  limited  in  their  ability  to  ascend  falls,  and  we 
have  reason  to  believe,  as  stated  below,  that  they  are  unable  to  go 
over  any  considerable  falls  and  become  established  below  them.  The 
Falls  of  the  Yellowstone  is  the  dividing  line  between  the  fauna  of  the 
Missouri  River  and  that  of  the  Upper  Yellowstone.  The  Shoshone 

*Paecilia  butleri  Jordan,  Pcecilia  presidionis  Jordan  &  Culver. 
\Cichlasoma  beani  (Jordan). 

lAgonostomus  monticola  (Bancroft),  Philypnus  dormitor  (Lac6pede),  and 
Chonophorus  taiasica  (Liechtenstein)  are  found  only  in  fresh  or  brackish  water. 


INTRODUCTION.  xlix 

Falls  is  also  the  dividing  line  between  the  fauna  of  the  upper  Snake 
River  and  of  that  portion  of  it  below  the  falls.  In  both  of  these  in- 
stances fishes  belonging  to  the  fauna  above  the  falls  have  not  become 
established  below  them. 

It  is  quite  probable  that  along  the  middle  course  of  these  Pacific 
slope  rivers  in  Mexico  there  are  no  fishes,  or  possibly  a  few  species 
of  PoeciliidcB  or  of  some  brackish  or  salt  water  form  which  was  asso- 
ciated with  the  rivers  in  their  formation.  Many  fishes  no  doubt  go 
over  falls  and  cascades,  but  not  in  quantities  sufficiently  large  to 
enable  the  survivors  to  become  established  below  them.  A  study  of 
the  fishes  along  the  courses  of  these  Pacific  coast  streams  would  be 
very  interesting  indeed. 

The  southern  portion  of  the  Mexican  plateau  is  drained  by  two 
rivers;  the  one  to  the  east,  the  San  Juan  del  Rio,  is  a  small  stream 
which  flows  into  the  Rio  Panuco ;  the  other,  the  Lerma,  is  a  tributary 
of  the  Rio  Grande  de  Santiago,  which  flows  into  the  Pacific.  Judging 
from  the  nature  of  its  fish  fauna,  the  Valley  of  Mexico  was  formerly 
a  part  of  the  Lerma  drainage  system.  The  fish  fauna  of  this  region 
is  very  different  from  that  either  to  the  north  or  the  south.  From 
the  area  which  includes  the  valley  of  Mexico  the  head  waters  of  the 
San  Juan  del  Rio  and  the  Lerma  basin,  there  are  at  present  fifty-four 
species  of  fishes  known,  only  two  of  which,  Myzostoma  austrinum 
Bean,  and  Aztecula  vittata  (Girard),  have  been  taken  in  any  other 
river  basin.  These  fifty-four  species  belong  to  twenty-one*  genera, 
eight  of  which  are  peculiar  to  this  region. 

Of  the  genera  found  elsewhere  and  which  occur  on  the  plateau, 
Characodon  is  represented  in  southern  Mexico,  central  America,  and 
Lower  California ;  Gambusia  comprises  a  number  of  small  viviparous 
fishes  usually  inhabiting  swamps  and  springs  all  the  way  from 
southern  Illinois  to  Panama ;  Goodea  is  represented  in  the  Rio  Panuco 
and  the  Rio  Balsas,  and  Aztecula  in  the  Rio  Balsas;  one  species  of  Cki- 
rostoma  is  found  in  the  Rio  Mezquital;  Lampetra,  Amiurus,  Myzostoma, 
Nototropis  and  Hybopsis  are  northern  genera,  and  all  except  Noto- 
tropis  are  not  represented  by  any  species  farther  south  than  the  Rio 
Lerma.  Thirty-six  of  the  fifty-four  species  found  in  this  region  belong 
to  two  families,  twenty  to  Pceciliidce  (the  killifishes),  and  sixteen  to 
AtherinidcB  (the  silversides).  It  is  curious  to  note  here  that  all  of 
the  killifishes  are  viviparous,  yet  only  two  species,  Gambusia  infans 


*The  genera  in  italics  are  peculiar  to  this  region. 

Lampetra  i,  Amiurus  i,  Myzostoma  i,  Xystrosus  i,  Algansea  4,  Falcula  i, 
Aztecula  3,  Nototropis  i,  Evarra  2,  Hybopsis  i,  Zoogoneticus  6.  Girardinichthys 
i,  Characodon  4,  Chapalichthys  i,  Gambusia  i,  Goodea  2,  Skiffia  4,  Poscilia  i, 
Chirostoma  16,  Agonostomus  i,  Cichlasoma  i. 


1  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Woolman  and  Pcecilia  occidentalis  (Baird  &  Girard),  have  the  anal  fin 
of  the  male  placed  well  forward  and  modified  into  an  intromittent 
organ  sueh  as  is  characteristic  of  Heterandria,  Pcecilia  and  the  like. 
In  the  other  species  the  anal  fin  of  the  male  has  its  normal  position 
and  size,  but  it  is  slightly  modified  by  the  shortening  of  the  first  five 
or  six  rays,  and  their  slight  separation  from  the  rest  of  the  fin  by  a 
shallow  notch.  This  modification  was  first  noticed  by  Gunther  in 
Characodon  later alis  Gunther.  It  was  also  described  by  Bean  in 
Zoogoneticus  robustus  (Bean),  and  by  Jordan  and  Snyder  in  Goodea 
atripinnis  Jordan,  but  no  significance  was  attached  to  it.  Just 
what  part  this  fin  plays  in  fertilizing  the  eggs  in  the  body  of  the 
female  is  not  known,  but  it  evidently  plays  a  prominent  part  in  this 
operation. 

I  was  so  fortunate  as  to  collect  these  fishes  during  the  breeding 
season  and  thus  their  viviparity  was  easily  proved.  The  largest 
killifish  known  from  the  Lerma  basin  reaches  a  length  of  8  or  10  inches. 
The  accompanying  figure  was  made  from  a  photograph  of  the  largest 
female  of  this  species  I  was  able  to  obtain.  The  ovary  consists  of  a 
membranous  sack  with  a  number  of  infolded  partitions.  Removing 
a  portion  of  one  side  shows  the  ovary  full  of  quite  well  developed 
young.  The  little  fishes  are  not  arranged  in  any  definite  order. 

The  spawning  time  of  these  fishes  is  near  the  close  of  the  dry  season. 
At  this  time  the  water  is  more  concentrated,  as  is  also  the  food  on 
which  the  young  must  feed.  The  aquatic  insects,  crustaceans  and 
small  fishes  which  would  feast  on  the  eggs  if  deposited  then  are  also 
more  concentrated,  so  that  depositing  the  eggs  at  this  time  would 
mean  considerable  destruction  to  the  species.  As  it  is,  the  young 
are  born  in  a  well-developed  stage,  and  reach  some  size  before  the  wet 
season  sets  in.  They  are  then  perhaps  in  the  best  condition  to  become 
widely  distributed  as  the  volume  and  area  of  water  increases.  As 
the  dry  season  approaches  again,  and  the  small  streams  and  ponds 
become  dry,  some  of  these  small  fishes  perish.  They  are,  however, 
present  everywhere  to  establish  themselves  in  any  body  of  water 
which  may  carry  them  through  the  next  rainy  season. 

The  gestation  of  many  tropical  fishes  presents  some  strange  pecu- 
liarities. Some  of  the  catfishes  carry  the  eggs  in  the  mouth  till  hatched, 
while  a  few  others  are  thought  to  be  viviparous.  Viviparity  among 
the  tropical  killifishes  seems  to  be  the  rule  rather  than  the  exception. 
It  would  seem  that  in  the  tropical  fresh  waters  of  America  there  is 
much  more  provision  made  for  the  care  of  the  young  than  in  the  cooler 
waters  of  the  northern  continent. 

It  is  rather  surprising  to  find  such  a  large  number  of  Chirostoma 


INTRODUCTION.  li 

in  the  Lerma  basin;  indeed,  no  other  river  in  North  America  has  so 
large  a  proportion  of  its  fishes  belonging  to  a  salt-water*  family.  It 
is  probable  that  when  this  basin  is  more  thoroughly  explored  the 
number  will  be  considerably  increased.  I  had  seen  but  few  speci- 
mens of  Chirostoma  before  going  to  Mexico,  and  thus  had  never  had 
an  opportunity  to  study  these  fishes.  And  while  I  was  careful  to  pick 
up  specimens  of  all  species  observed,  yet  my  unfamiliarity  at  that 
time  with  the  group  caused  me,  no  doubt,  to  overlook  some  species. 
Again,  there  are  a  number  of  small  isolated  lakes  which  have  never 
been  visited.  It  is  known  that  some  of  these  lakes,  as  Patzcuaro 
and  Zirahuen,  have  in  them  one  or  more  characteristic  species,  and 
no  doubt  most  of  the  others  also  have.  The  Lerma  River  system  is 
far  from  being  thoroughly  explored,  but  apparently  its  fishes  are  quite 
as  distinct  and  characteristic  as  if  the  fauna  were  insular.  This  area 
has  been  in  a  center  of  distribution. 

The  Rio  Balsas  is  one  of  the  largest  rivers  in  Mexico.  It  is  south- 
east of  the  Lerma,  and  drains  about  an  equal  area;  and  though  these 
two  rivers  are  so  near  each  other,  only  one  species  is  known  to  be 
common  to  them.  But  one  species  of  silversides  and  four  of  killi- 
fishes  are  known  from  the  Rio  Balsas,  yet  these  two  families  comprise 
two-thirds  of  the  fishes  of  the  Lerma  basin.  Only  the  upper  and 
northern  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Balsas  have  been  explored ;  however, 
enough  has  been  done  to  indicate  the  nature  of  its  fauna  and  that 
it'  contains  comparatively  few  species  of  fishes. 

The  South  and  Central  American  faunas  prevail  largely  as  far 
north  as  the  City  of  Mexico.  The  few  forms  which  extend  farther 
north  apparently  keep  to  the  lowland  streams;  especially  is  this  true 
on  the  Pacific  side.  The  most  northern  representative  of  the  south- 
ern American  fauna,  one  of  the  Cichlids,  is  found  at  Mazatlan.  On 
the  east  coast  this  family  has  a  representative  in  Texas. 

Mexico  in  general  is  not  a  well  watered  country.     Nearly  all  of  the    A 
small  streams  and  many  of  the  large  ones  become  much  reduced  in 
size  by  the  end  of  the  long  dry  season,  and  such  streams  never  sustain/ 
a  large  number  of  species  of  fishes.     On  the  Mexican  plateau  the 
largest  and  most  important  lakes  are  found  in  the  Lerma  basin ;  Lake 
Chapala,  being  the  largest  and  the  only  one  which  has  a  river  outlet 
and  inlet,  sustains  the  largest  fish  fauna.     Patzcuaro,  a  large  lake 
with  no  inlet  nor  outlet,  does  not  have  so  varied  a  fauna,  but  supports 
a  large  number  of  individuals.     In  view  of  the  fact  that  more  species 
of  fishes  belong  to  tropical  Mexico  than  to  a  like  area  farther  north, 


*The  Chirostoma  are  the  only  fishes  belonging  to  a  salt-water  family  found 
on  the  Mexican  plateau. 


Hi  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

it  seems  strange  that  a  great  river  like  the  Balsas  which  lies  wholly 
within  the  tropics  should  contain  so  few  species.  This  river  is  fed 
by  many  mountain  streams,  and  even  in  the  dry  season  contains  an 
abundance  of  clear  water.  Collections  of  fishes  have  been  made  at 
eight  places  in  this  river  basin,  and  in  all  only  twelve  species  of  fishes 
have  been  taken,  a  number  much  fewer  than  one  would  expect. 

SHORE    FISHES    WHICH    HAVE    BECOME    MORE    OR    LESS 
ESTABLISHED  IN  THE  FRESH    WATERS  OF  MEXICO. 

There  has  been  a  tendency  in  this  as  in  other  countries  for  salt- 
water fishes  to  become  established  in  fresh  water.  Some  of  these 
may  properly  be  considered  as  fresh  water  species.*  The  others  are 
properly  shore  fishes  found  in  fresh  water,  and  usually  at  a  consider- 
able distance  from  the  sea.  Below  is  given  a  list  of  these  species : 

Tylosurus  marinus  (Walbaum) .  Dormitator  maculatus  (Bloch) . 

Thyrina  crystallina  (Jordan  &  Culver).  Eleotris  pisonis   (Gruelin). 

Menidia  lisa  Meek.  Eleotris  pictus  Kner  &  Steindachner. 

Mugil  cephalus  Linnaeus.  Gobius  parvus  Meek. 

*Agonostomus  monticola  (Bancroft).  Gobius  claytoni  Meek. 

Neomugil  digueti  Vaillant.  Chonophorus  nelsoni  (Evermann)-. 

Joturus  pichardi  Poey.  *Chonophorus  taiasica  (Liechtenstein) . 

Centropomus  mexicanus  Bocourt.  Chonophorus  mexicanus  (Gunther). 

Pomadasys  templei  Meek.  Gillichthys  detrusus  Gilbert  &  Scofield. 

Pomadasys  starri  Meek.  Achirus  mazatlanus   (Steindachner). 

*Haploidonotus  grunniens  Rafinesque.  Achirus  fonsecensis  (Giinther). 

*Philypnus  dormitor  Lac6pede.  Achirus  fasciatus  Lacepede. 

The  species  of  Chirostoma  belong  to  a  salt-water  family;  they  are, 
however,  confined  to  the  Mexican  plateau,  and  cannot  be  regarded 
as  shore  fishes,  and  so  are  not  included  in  the  foregoing  list. 

GAME    FISHES   OF   MEXICO. 

The  large-mouthed  black  bass  which  is  abundant  in  the  streams 
of  northeastern  Mexico  as  far  south  as  the  Rio  Soto  la  Marina,  and 
the  trout  in  the  mountain  streams  of  the  Pacific  slope  in  Sonora  Chi- 
huahua and  Durango  are  the  only  fishes  in  northern  Mexico  which 
can  properly  be  called  game  fishes.  Each  of  these  species  is  confined 
to  a  rather  small  area.  In  the  streams  of  southern  Mexico  there  are 
no  game  fishes.  The  Cichlids  are  abundant,  but  will  not  take  the 
hook  in  a  manner  that  would  best  please  the  professional  angler. 
There  are  in  these  southern  streams  a  species  of  Centropomus  and  two 
of  Pomadasys,  usually  called  by  the  natives  Roballo,  which  are 
regarded  as  game  fishes.  They  are  not  properly  fresh-water  fishes, 


INTRODUCTION.  liii 

although  they  are  found  in  the  rivers  at  a  considerable  distance 
from  the  sea ;  it  is  quite  probable  that  these  are  not  abundant  enough 
to  make  them  of  importance  to  the  angler. 

FOOD   FISHES   OF   MEXICO. 

Many  of  the  fresh-water  fishes  of  Mexico  are  used  for  food  by  the 
natives.  Of  these  the  trout  and  the  black  bass  are  probably  the  best. 
There  are  several  species  of  the  catfish  family  which  are  large  enough 
for  the  market.  In  the  Valley  of  Mexico,  and  in  the  basin  of  the  Rio 
Lerma  are  several  species  of  Chirostoma,  known  as  Pescados  B  Ian  cos 
(whitefishes) ,  which  are  excellent  food  fishes,  but  none  of  these  will 
take  the  hook.  The  smaller  species  of  the  whitefishes  are  dried  in 
large  quantities  in  this  region  and  shipped  to  different  parts  of  the 
republic. 

The  Trucha,  or  trout  (Agonostomus  monticola  Bancroft),  is  a  first- 
class  food  fish,  but  it  is  found  nowhere  in  any  considerable  numbers. 
The  Cichlids,  which  much  resemble  our  sunfishes  in  form  and  general 
habits,  are  only  fair  food  fishes.  They  are  very  abundant  in  all  of  the 
rivers  of  southern  Mexico,  and  in  the  Atlantic  coast  streams  north 
to  Texas.  Most  of  the  fishes  seen  in  the  markets  of  the  City  of  Mexico 
are  brought  from  Vera  Cruz,  and  are  salt-water  forms.  A  few 
whitefishes  are  shipped  from  Lago  de  Chapala  to  the  City  of  Mexico, 
and  some  are  brought  in  from  the  neighboring  lakes.  Many  buffalo 
fishes  are  eaten  in  the  region  where  found,  but  these  are  regarded  as 
considerably  inferior  to  the  catfishes.  Tamales  are  made  of  the 
Juilis,  Algansea  tincella  (C.  &  V.),  taken  from  the  lakes  in  the  Valley 
of  Mexico.  The  species  of  garpike  found  in  the  Rio  Panuco  find  a 
ready  sale  in  the  markets  of  Tampico.  It  is  quite  probable  that  the 
flesh  of  these  fishes,  like  that  of  the  fresh-water  drum  (Haploidonotus 
grunniens  Raf.),  improves  in  southern  waters.  In  the  Great  Lake 
region  of  North  America  the  drum  is  quite  worthless  for  food,  but  in 
Louisiana  it  is  an  important  market  fish.  The  negroes  along  the 
lower  portion  of  the  Arkansas  river  eat  many  garpike  and  consider 
them  as  good  for  food  as  the  catfishes.  The  larger  species  of  the  killi- 
fishes,  Pceciliidce,  in  the  basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma,  some  of  which  in  this 
region  reach  a  length  of  eight  inches,  are  quite  important  food  fishes. 

FISH   CULTURE    IN    MEXICO. 

Very  little  has  been  done  in  Mexico  in  regard  to  stocking  streams 
with  fishes  not  native  to  the  country.  Goldfish  and  carp  are  quite 
abundant  in  the  lakes  in  the  Valley  of  Mexico,  and  also  in  some  of  the 


liv  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

tributaries  of  the  Rio  Lerma.  I  was  not  aware  until  March  18,  1903, 
that  any  effort  had  ever  been  made  in  Mexico  to  hatch  trout,  at  which 
time  I  made  a  trip  from  the  city  of  Mexico  to  Lerma,  the  head  waters 
of  the  river  of  the  same  name,  to  collect  fishes  there.  The  station 
agent  kindly  directed  me  to  a  German,  Mr.  Vincente  Richter,  living 
some  six  miles  distant,  whom  he  said  had  many  fishes.  On  arriving 
at  Mr.  Richter's  house  I  was  much  surprised  to  see  a  quite  well  regu- 
lated fish  hatchery,  which  has  been  in  existence  for  about  fifteen  years, 
in  full  operation.  It  is  on  the  hacienda  owned  by  Senor  Eduardo  Gon- 
zales,  to  whom  the  government  pays  a  fixed  annual  sum  for  its  main- 
tenance. One-half  to  one  million  of  eggs  of  the  rainbow  trout  are 
hatched  here  annually.  Several  large  springs  form  the  source  of  the 
Rio  Lerma  at  this  place,  and  from  these  an  abundance  of  water  is 
obtained  for  the  hatchery.  The  temperature  of  the  water  at  its 
source  is  about  55°  F.,  and  its  volume  is  so  great  that  the  temperature 
is  not  more  than  one  or  two  degrees  higher  when  it  reaches  the  hatch- 
ing troughs.  Considering  the  great  abundance  of  water,  and  the 
facility  for  making  suitable  ponds  at  only  a  moderate  expense,  the 
abundance  of  small  Crustacea,  insect  larvae,  and  the  like,  which  are 
excellent  food  for  the  young  trout,  Mr.  Richter  is  certain  that  trout 
can  be  raised  here  for  the  markets  of  the  City  of  Mexico  with  profit. 
There  are  native  trout  in  the  Pacific  streams  of  Mexico  as  far  south 
as  Durango.  The  experience  of  Mr.  Richter  indicates  that  trout  will 
flourish  as  far  south  as  the  Rio  Lerma.  On  the  Atlantic  slope  near 
Jalapa  are  many  mountain  streams  flowing  through  dense  forests  in 
which  I  believe  trout  would  flourish.  In  many  of  these  streams  there 
are  few  or  no  fishes.  The  fact  that  there  are  no  fishes  in  some  of  these 
streams,  is,  however,  no  indication  that  fishes  will  not  live  in  them. 
Fishes  are  evidently  not  there  because  they  have  not  been  able  to 
ascend  the  many  falls  and  cascades,  and  at  the  head  waters  it  is  quite 
evident  that  there  has  been  no  center  of  distribution. 

One  of  the  most  promising  fields  for  the  introduction  of  food  and 
game  fishes  is  in  the  Lerma  Basin,  for  in  this  region  are  many  streams 
and  lakes  in  which  many  species  of  small  fishes  abound  which  would 
furnish  an  abundant  supply  of  food  for  the  larger  introduced  species. 

In  introducing  fishes  into  a  country  the  conditions  should  be 
carefully  studied  in  order  to  avoid  the  selection  of  unsuitable  species. 
The  lakes  in  the  Lerma  basin  should  in  my  opinion  be  an  ideal  place 
for  the  large-mouth  black  bass.  The  rainbow  trout  would  probably 
do  quite  as  well  and  not  disturb  the  present  fish  fauna  as  much  as 
would  the  black  bass. 


INTRODUCTION.  Iv 

COMMON   NAMES  OF   MEXICAN   FRESH-WATER  FISHES. 

Many  common  names  applied  to  the  fresh -water  fishes  of  Mexico 
are  used  in  a  collective  sense,  and  so  do  not  apply  to  any  particular 
species.  Below  are  given  some  of  these  names  and  the  names  of  the 
fishes  to  which  they  are  applied. 

The  garpikes  and  the  needle  fishes  are  known  by  the  name  Muj a.* 
Bagre  is  the  name  generally  applied  to  catfishes.  I  heard  no  other 
name  applied  to  these  fishes  south  of  the  City  of  Mexico.  For  the 
catfishes  in  the  streams  north  of  Tampico  several  names  are  used, 
and  rather  indiscriminately,  and  I  am  uncertain  in  my  distribution 
of  them.  Besugo  is  probably  applied  to  Leptops  olivaris  Raf.,  and  to 
dark-colored  individuals  of  Amiurus.  Petonte  is  applied  to  the  chan- 
nel cats  and  to  Amiurus  lupus  (Girard) ,  which  much  resemble  them. 
Metalote  is  a  buffalo  fish,  this  name  being  applied  to  all  of  the  species 
north  of  Tampico.  Lisa  is  applied  to  Myzostoma  congestum  (B.  &  G.), 
to  species  of  the  genus  Mugil,  and  to  Menidia  lisa  Meek,  a  species  of 
silverside.  Nototropis  boucardi  (Gth.)  is  known  as  Salmichi.  Algansea 
tincella  (C.  &  V.)  is  called  Juilis.  The  other  species  of  minnows  are 
known  as  Sardina.  The  name  Sardina  is  commonly  used  for  silvery  col- 
ored fishes  as  the  Dorosomatids  or  gizzard  shads.  Anguilla  is  the 
name  of  the  eels.  Mixpapatl  is  applied  to  Goodea  whitei  Meek. 
Roballo  is  the  name  of  the  black  bass ;  this  name  is  also  used  for  Cen- 
tropomus  mexicanus  (Boc.) .  The  black  bass  is  sometimes  called  Besugo. 
The  fresh-water  drum  and  the  species  of  Pomadasys  in  the  Rio  Panuco 
are  known  as  Dorado.  Mojarra  is  applied  to  the  Cichlids  and  some  of 
the  larger  PceciliidcE  where  Cichlids  are  not  found.  Metapil  is  applied 
only  to  Philypnus  dormitor  Lac.  Trucha  is  the  name  of  Agonostomus 
monticola  (Bancroft)  and  Bobo  is  Joturus  pichardi  Poey. 

DEFINITIONS  AND  EXPLANATIONS  OF  TERMS  USED  IN  THE 
DESCRIPTION  OF  FISHES  IN  THIS  WORK. 

In  order  to  be  able  to  identify  a  fish,  or  rather  to  know  just  what 
species  any  particular  fish  may  be,  there  are  some  things  regarding  its 
anatomy  that  should  be  known.  In  the  accompanying  figure  of  the 
large-mouth  black  bass  the  important  parts  of  the  external  anatomy 
are  indicated  by  name.  All  of  the  parts  represented  on  this  fish  do  not 
occur  on  all  fishes,  and  so  it  will  require  some  care  to  make  out  those 
that  are  present.  A  careful  study  of  this  figure,  and  the  following 
definitions  and  explanations,  will  enable  one  to  easily  use  the  keys 
and  descriptions  in  this  work.  A  little  practice  will  make  the  iden- 
tification of  most  of  the  species  comparatively  easy. 

*I  will  not  vouch  for  the  correct  spelling  of  some  of  these  names. 


Ivi  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

1.  Head.  13.  Spinous  portion  of  dorsal  fin. 

2.  Snout.  14.  Soft  portion  of  dorsal  fin. 

3.  .Eye.  15.  Base  of  dorsal  fin. 

4.  Premaxillary.  16.  Pectoral  fin. 

5.  Maxillary.  17.  Anal  fin. 

6.  Supplemental  maxillary.  18.  Ventral  fin, 

7.  Mandible,  or  lower  jaw.  19.  Base  of  caudal  fin  (last  vertebra). 

8.  Symphysis.  20.  Caudal  fin. 

9.  Cheek.  21.  Lateral  line. 

10.  Preopercle,  1  22.  Depth  of  the  fish. 

11.  Opercle,         }•  Gill  covers.  23.  Depth  of  caudal  peduncle. 

12.  Subopercle,  J  24.  Caudal  peduncle. 

The  PROFILE  of  the  fish,  -unless  otherwise  mentioned,  is  the  curve 
from  the  highest  point  on  the  back-  to  the  tip  of  the  snout.  The 
ORIGIN  of  the  DORSAL  or  ANAL  FIN  is  the  insertion  of  its  first  spine 
or  ray. 

Fishes  in  general,  and  especially  those  treated  of  in  this  work, 
breathe  by  means  of  GILLS,  which  are  fine  hair-like  projections 
(BRANCHIAE)  usually  supported  on  the  outer  curves  of  cartilaginous 
or  bony  arches  known  as  GILL  ARCHES  ;  in  the  true  fishes  the  normal 
number  on  each  side  is  four.  The  GILL  RAKERS  are  a  series  of  bony 
appendages  variously  formed  along  the  inner  edge  of  the  anterior  gill 
arch. 

The  GILL  MEMBRANES  usually  serve  to  attach  the  GILL  COVERS 
to  the  ISTHMUS,  which  is  the  thick,  fleshy  projection  between  the  gill 
openings.  The  BRANCHIOSTEGAL  MEMBRANES  are  attached  to  the 
lower  posterior  portions  of  the  gill  covers;  the  cartilaginous  or  bony 
supports  of  this  membrane  are  the  BRANCHIOSTEGAL  RAYS. 

The  PSEUDOBRANCHLE  are  small  or  imperfectly  developed  gills 
on  the  inner  side  of  the  opercle,  near  its  junction  with  the  preopercle. 

The  PHARYNGEAL  BONES  are  behind  the  gills  and  at  the  beginning 
of  the  (ESOPHAGUS;  in  true  fishes  they  represent  a  fifth  gill  arch. 

In  general  the  TEETH  of  fishes  are  conical  and  pointed;  frequently 
some  are  INCISOR  or  MOLAR-LIKE.  Occasionally,  as  in  some  of  the 
killifishes  (Characodon,  Goodea,  and  Skiffia,  etc.),  the  incisor-like  teeth 
are  BICUSPID  or  (Cyprinodori)  TRICUSPID.  The  upper  teeth  of  fishes  may 
be  attached  to  one  or  more  of  the  following  bones:  PREM AXILLARY, 

MAXILLARY,  PREFRONTAL,  VOMER,  PALATINE,  PTERYGOID,  and  UPPER 
PHARYNGEALS;  lower,  to  the  MANDIBLE,  TONGUE,  and  LOWER  PHARYN- 

GEALS.  In  some  fishes  treated  of  in  this  work,  as  the  Large-mouth 
Black  Bass,  teeth  are  present  on  nearly  all  of  the  parts  of  the  mouth 
and  pharynx  as  above  mentioned;  in  the  suckers  and  minnows  teeth 
are  present  only  on  the  pharyngeal  bones.  Fishes  do  not  masticate 
their  food ;  the  teeth  are  used  chiefly  for  catching,  holding,  and  break- 


INTRODUCTION.  Ivii 

ing  the  objects  used  for  food  in  pieces  which  will  admit  of  being  swal- 
lowed. 

The  fins  of  fishes  are  composed  of  SPINES  and  RAYS,  the  former 
being  stiff,  bony  structures  usually  connected  by  a  thin  membrane; 
the  rays  are  rather  weak,  jointed  cartilaginous  structures  and  are  also 
connected  by  a  thin  membrane.  SPINES  are  present  on  one  or  more 
fins  of  all  of  the  spiny  rayed  fishes.  The  dorsal  and  the  pectoral  fins 
of  some  of  the  soft  rayed  fishes,  as  the  Carp  and  the  Catfishes,  are 
preceded  by  a  spine  which  is  only  the  modification  of  one  or  more  of 
the  soft  rays.  Most  fishes,  except  Catfishes,  are  covered  with  SCALES. 
A  CYCLOID  SCALE  has  its  posterior  margin  smooth;  such  scales  are 
usually  found  on  soft  rayed  fishes.  A  CTENOID  SCALE  has  its  posterior 
margin  rough  or  toothed ;  such  scales  are  characteristic  of  the  spiny 
rayed  fishes. 

The  LENGTH  of  the  FISH  is  measured  from  the  tip  of  the  upper  jaw 
to  the  base  of  the  caudal  fin  or  end  of  last  vertebra,  the  TOTAL  LENGTH 
from  extreme  ends  of  the  fish.  The  LENGTH  of  the  HEAD  is  measured 
from  tip  of  upper  jaw  to  the  posterior  edge  of  the  opercle,  the  LENGTH 
of  SNOUT  from  tip  of  upper  jaw  to  anterior  margin  of  the  orbit.  The 
DEPTH  of  the  BODY  is  measured  at  its  deepest  part,  none  of  the  fins 
being  included;  the  DEPTH  of  CAUDAL  PEDUNCLE  is  measured  at  its 
narrowest  part,  its  length  from  base  of  last  anal  ray  to  end  of  last 
vertebra.  Only  fully  developed  fin  rays  are  counted,  the  rudimentary 
dorsal  and  anal  rays  when  closely  adnate  to  the  first  ray  is  counted 
as  one;  when  the  last  ray  is  double  and  the  two  parts  have  the  same 
base  it  is  counted  as  one  ray.  The  SCALES  in  the  LATERAL  SERIES  are 
counted  from  upper  edge  of  opercle  to  base* of  caudal  fin,  the  TRANS- 
VERSE SERIES  from  the  dorsal  fin  to  ventrals  or  origin  of  anal,  which- 
ever is  nearest  the  middle  of  the  body.  In  making  the  transverse 
count  the  scale  on  the  lateral  line,  when  it  is  present,  is  counted  with 
those  on  upper  part  of  body.  The  LENGTH  of  the  DORSAL  and  ANAL 
FINS  is  measured  along  their  BASES,  the  HEIGHT  is  the  length  of  their 
spines  or  rays.  The  length  of  the  other  fins  is  measured  from  attach- 
ment to  the  body  to  the  tips  of  longest  rays. 

Substantially  the  same  order  is  followed  in  all  descriptions.  The 
comparative  measurements  which  best  indicate  the  general  form  of 
the  fish  are  given  first;  the  number  of  spines  and  rays  of  the  dorsal 
and  anal  fins  next,  and  the  numrJer  of  scales  in  the  lateral  and  trans- 
verse series  last.  These  are  followed  by  a  general  remark  on  the  form 
of  the  fish,  and  then  other  important  specific  points  are  given  in  detail. 
The  description  of  the  color  is  given  last. 

In  order  to  abbreviate,  the  following  expressions  are  used:  "HEAD 


Iviii  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

4"  or  "HEAD  4^"  indicates  that  the  head  of  the  fish  is  contained  4 
times  or  4%  times  in  the  distance  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  end 
of  the  last  caudal  vertebra;  "DEPTH  4"  that  the  greatest  depth  (none 
of  the  fins  being  included)  is  contained  4  times  in  the  same  distance ; 
"  D.  8,"  indicates  that  the  fish  has  a  single  dorsal  fin  which  is  composed 
of  8  soft  rays;  " D.  iv,  9,"  that  the  dorsal  fin  is  single  and  is  composed 
of  4  spines  and  9  soft  rays;  "D.  iv-9,"  that  there  are  two  dorsal  fins, 
the  first  one  composed  of  4  spines  and  the  other  of  9  soft  rays.  Spines 
are  always  indicated  in  roman  letters,  soft  rays  by  figures.  The  ab- 
breviations used  in  the  count  of  other  fin  rays  and  spines  are  similarly 
explained.  The  diameter  of  the  eye,  the  length  of  the  snout,  and 
many  other  short  measurements  are  compared  with  the  length  of  the 
head.  "EYE  3  IN  HEAD,"  "SNOUT  3  IN  HEAD,"  indicate  that  each 
is  contained  3  times  in  the  length  of  the  head.  In  these  particular 
cases  "  %  of  the  length  of  the  head  "  would  mean  the  same  thing. 

All  of  these  measurements  are  so  far  as  possible  intended  to  apply 
to  mature  fish  of  average  size;  a  certain  amount  of  allowance  must, 
however,  be  made  for  age  and  individual  variation.  Young  fishes 
usually  have  larger  eyes,  shorter  snout,  smaller  mouth,  and  longer  fin 
rays  than  adults  of  the  same  species;  more  often  they  are  also  deeper, 
but  this  is  not  always  true. 

At  the  close  of  each  description  the  approximate  length  of  the 
adult  of  the  species  is  given.  The  size  of  fishes  is  more  dependent 
on  environment  than  in  case  of  any  other  group  of  vertebrates. 
Fishes  in  large  bodies  of  water  grow  much  more  rapidly  and  larger 
than  the  same  species  under  other  conditions.  If  food  is  plentiful 
and  easily  obtained  the  fish  will  eat  oftener  than  where  less  favored. 
It  is  not  necessary  for  a  fish  to  eat  as  much  as  one  meal  each  day ;  he 
may  eat  once  each  week,  or  even  once  each  month,  without  appar- 
ently experiencing  the  evil  effects  of  hunger,  but  in  such  cases  his 
growth  will  be  somewhat  retarded. 

For  convenience  in  classification,  and  to  afford  an  expression  of 
relationship,  fishes,  or  fish-like  vertebrates,  are  divided  into  classes, 
each  class  into  ORDERS,  ORDERS  into  GENERA,  and  each  GENUS  com- 
prises one  or  more  SPECIES. 

The  catfish  of  the  Rio  Balsas  is  classified  as  follows : 
Class,  PISCES. 

Order,  NEMATOGNATHI. 

Family,  SILURID^E. 

Genus,  ISTLARIUS. 

Species,  BALSANUS. 

Each  of  these  divisions  may  be  divided  into  sub-groups. 


INTRODUCTION.  lix 

The  scientific  name  of  a  fish  is  a  combination  of  the  name  of  the 
genus  and  the  species.  The  large  catfish  (Bagre)  found  in  the  Rio 
Balsas  belongs  to  the  genus  IStlarius  and  its  specific  name  is  balsanus. 
Its  scientific  name  is  Istlarius  balsanus.  The  scientific  names  as  they 
are  usually  written,  and  as  they  appear  in  this  work,  are  followed  by 
the  name  of  the  person  or  persons  who  first  described  the  fish  and 
proposed  the  specific  name  for  it.  The  name  referred  to  above  is 
properly  written  Istlarius  balsanus  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Under  the  description  of  each  order,  family,  and  genus  a  key  is 
given  to  facilitate  the  identification  of  the  species.  These  keys  are 
arranged  as  far  as  possibtaon  the  alternative  basis.  To  use  the  key, 
examine  the  fish  in  hand  and  read  the  first  statement  lettered  "a"; 
either  that  or  its  alternative,  lettered  "aa,"  is  true.  Next  read  the 
lettered  statement  below  "a"  or  "aa"  as  the  case  may  be,  and  con- 
tinue until  a  letter  is  reached  under  which  there  are  no  subdivisions, 
when  you  will  be  brought  to  an  order,  family,  generic,  or  specific  name. 
The  page  indicated  by  the  figure  following  this  name  contains  the 
description"  of  the  family,  genus,  or  species,  as  the  case  may  be,  to 
which  your  fish  belongs.  If  a  family,  read  the  key  to  the  genera,  then 
to  the  species,  which  will  refer  you  to  the  description  of  the  species 
of  the  fish  in  question. 

In  order  to  find  at  once  the  family  to  which  the  specimen  in  hand 
belongs  it  is  better  to  use  the  artificial  key  to  the  Families  of  Fishes 
on  the  following  page. 

In  all  of  the  keys  in  this  work,  except  this  one,  the  sequence  of 
the  orders,  families,  genera  and  species,  as  the  case  may  be,  is  the  same 
as  the  descriptions.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  this  work  treats 
only  of  fishes  known  to  inhabit  the  fresh  waters  of  Mexico  north  of 
the  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec. 

Reference  is  made  under  each  genus  to  the  original  description, 
and  the  type  of  the  genus.  No  other  reference  is  given  unless  the 
synonym  is  based  on  forms  found  in  Mexico  or  is  deserving  of 
subgeneric  rank.  Under  the  name  of  each  species  the  first  reference 
is  to  the  original  description  and  the  type  locality ;  references  are  also 
made  to  Dr.  Giinther's  Catalogue  of  Fishes  of  the  British  Museum  (i), 
to  his  Fishes  of  Central  America  (2),  to  Prof.  Garman's  Cyprinodonts 
(3),  and  to  Jordan  &  Evermann's  Synopsis  of  Fishes  of  North  and 
Middle  America  (4).  All  other  references  relate  only  to  Mexican 
fresh-water  fishes.  For  aid  in  geographical  study  all  known  local- 

(1)  Giinther,  Catalogue,  Fishes  British  Museum,  8  vols.  1859^0  1870. 

(2)  Gunther,  Fishes  of  Central  America,  i  vol.  1869. 

(3)  Garman,  The  Cyprinodonts,  Mem.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  vol.  xix,  1895. 

(4)  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  4  vols.  1896  to  1900. 


Ix  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

ities  from  which  Mexican  fishes  have  been  taken  are  given  with  each 
reference.  The  names  of  places  mentioned  in  parentheses  preceding 
each  description  are  localities  from  which  the  species  was  taken  by 
me  in  1903.  In  many  cases  the  localities  of  the  early  authors  are  very 
indefinite.  Frequently  "Mexico"  only  is  mentioned.  A  few  of  the 
definite  localities  as  given  which  appear  to  be  wrong  are  discussed 
under  the  species  in  question,  it  being  intended  that  some  one  may 
be  able  to  either  verify  these  or  to  correct  them. 

DEFINITION    OF    THE   TWO  CLASSES  OF  FISHES  OR    FISH- 
LIKE  VERTEBRATES  INHABITING  THE  FRESH 
WATERS   OF   MEXICO. 

The  fresh- water  fishes,  or  fish-like  vertebrates  of  Mexico,  belong 
to  two  classes:  the  Marsipobranchii,  Lampreys,  hag-fishes,  and  the 
like;  and  Pisces,  the  sharks,  skates,  and  the  true  fishes.  The  former 
is  represented  by  a  single  species  of  lamprey  known  at  present  only 
from  the  Lerma  River  Basin;  the  latter  is  represented  by  a  large 
number  of  species  of  true  fishes.  Sharks  and  skates  often  ascend 
streams  far  above  tide-water,  but  at  present  we  have  no  evidence 
that  any  of  these  forms  are  permanent  residents  of  the  rivers  of 
Mexico. 

The  fishes,  or  fish-like  vertebrates,  may  be  defined  as  cold- 
blooded vertebrates  adapted  for  life  in  the  water,  breathing  by  means 
of  gills,  which  are  persistent  throughout  life,  and  having  the  limbs, 
if  present,  developed  as  fins,  never  with  fingers  and  toes.  The  cere- 
bral hemispheres  are  smaller  than  the  optic  lobes. 

The  two  classes  of  fish-like  vertebrates  may  be  briefly  defined  as 
follows : 
CLASS  I.     MARSIPOBRANCHII   (THE  LAMPREYS). 

Skull  imperfectly  developed,  without  true  jaws;  gills  purse- 
shaped,    not    attached    to   cartilaginous   arches;   a   single 
median  nostril;  body  eel-shaped. 
CLASS  II.     PISCES  (THE  FISHES). 

Skull  well    developed,  and  with   jaws;    gills  attached  to 
arches;  nostrils  not  median,  in  one  or  more  pairs. 

ARTIFICIAL    KEY    TO    THE    FAMILIES    OF  ,  MEXICAN 
FRESH-WATER   FISHES. 

a.    Mouth  subcircular,  without  true  jaws;    7  gill  PAGE 

openings  on  each  side;  no  paired  fins Petromyzontida       i 

aa.  Mouth  normal,  with  true  jaws;  one  gill  open- 
ing on  each  side. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Ixi 


b.    Ventral  fins  present,  abdominal. 
c.    Adipose  fin  on  dorsal  region  present, 
d.    Body  without  scales;  4  to  8  long  barbels 
about   the   mouth   and  nostrils;   a   single 

spine  in  each  pectoral  and  dorsal  fin 

dd.  Body  with  scales,  mouth  without  barbels; 

pectoral  and  dorsal  fin  without  spines, 
e.    Mouth  large;  teeth  all  conical ;  body  elon- 
gate, depth  3^  to  5^";  anal  rays  10  to  12. 
ee.  Mouth  smaller;  teeth  incisor-like  or  else 
rudimentary;     body     deep,     compressed, 
depth  1%  to  3>£,  anal  rays  more  than  18 
cc.  Dorsal  region  without  adipose  fin. 
f.   Tail  heterocercal ;  scales  rhomboidal,  very 

hard,  ganoid 

ff.  Tail  not  heterocercal;  scales  normal,  thin, 
g.    Dorsal  fin  single,  composed  of  soft  rays 

only. 

h.    Jaws  toothless,  head  without  scales, 
i.  Ventral  region  without  bony  serrae;  body 

elongate,  not  much  compressed, 
j .   Mouth  usually  inferior ;  lips  thick,  fleshy 
with  plicae  or  papillae ;  pharyngeal  teeth 
very  numerous,  in  a  row  like  the  teeth 
of  a  comb;  dorsal  of  more  than  10  rays, 
jj.  Mouth  usually  terminal,  lips  thin,  not 
fleshy,  without  plicae  or  papillae;  phar- 
yngeal teeth  few,  fewer  than  8;  dorsal 
fin  with  less  than  10  rays  (except  in  the 

carp) 

ii.  Ventral  region  with  bony  serrae,  body 

deep,    much    compressed 

hh.  Jaws  with  teeth ;  head  more  or  less  scaly, 
k.    Lateral  line  wanting  or  represented  by 
a  few  imperfect  pores;  jaws  not  pro- 
duced into  a  long  beak 

kk.  Lateral  line  present,  running  as  a  fold 
along  side  of  belly;  both  jaws  produced 

into  a  beak 

gg.  Dorsal  fins  2,  the  first  composed  of  spines, 

the  second  of  soft  rays. 
1.  Anal  spines  3 ;  dorsal  spines  strong,  4  .... 


PAGE 


.  Silurid&       8 


.  .Salmonida  95 
.Characinida  83 
,  Lepidosteidcz  4 


.  .Catostomidce     24 


.  .  .Cyprinidoe     36 
Dorosomatidce     92 

.  .  .  .Poeciliidcz     98 


.Belonida  160 


Mugilida  185 


Ixii  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

11.  Anal  spines  single;  dorsal  spines  slender,  PAGE 

3  to  8  ..." Atherinidce  165 

bb.  Ventral  fins  present,  thoracic  or  jugular, 
m.     Ventral  fins  each  composed  definitely  of 
one  spine  and  5  soft  rays;  eyes  symmet- 
rical, one  on  each  side  of  the  head, 
n.    Ventral  fins  completely  united;  gill  mem- 
branes joined  to  the  isthmus;  no  lateral 

line Gobiidcs  225 

nn.  Ventral  fins  separate. 
o.    Nostril  single  on  each  side;  lateral  line  in- 
terrupted; anal  spines  3  to  n Cichlidce  204 

oo.  Nostril  double  on  each  side;  lateral  line 

not  interrupted. 

p.    Lateral  line  extending  on  caudal  fin. 
q.    Anal  spines  3,  the  second  very  strong, 
r.    Porsal  fins  two,   separate;  preopercle 
with  two  margins,  the  posterior  one 

strongly  toothed Centropomida  198 

rr.  Dorsal  fins  connected;  preopercle  with 

one  margin Hcemulidce  199 

qq.  Anal  spines    i   or   2 Scicenida  202 

pp.  Lateral  line,  if  present,  not  extending  on 

caudal  fin. 

s.    Dorsal   fins   separate   or   scarcely   con- 
nected, 
t.    Anal  spines  3;  the  second  very  strong; 

body  elongate,  compressed Hamulida  199 

tt.  Anal  spines  i  or  2 ;  body  usually  slender, 

never  much  compressed, 
u.    No  lateral  line;  ventral  fins  with  the 
inner  rays  the  longest;  dorsal  spines 

8    or    less Gobiidce  225 

uu.  Lateral  line  present ;  ventral  fins  with 
the   outer  rays   the   longest;   dorsal 

spines  8  or  more Percida  196 

ss.  Dorsal  fin  single,  the  spinous  and  soft 
portions  being  connected;  body  usually 
deep  and  much  compressed, 
mm.  Ventral  fins  each  not  composed  definitely 
of  one  spine  and  5  soft  rays;  eyes  unsym- 
metrical,  both  being  on  the  same  side  of  the 
head Soleida  234 


INTRODUCTION. 


Ixiii 


bbb.  Ventral  fins  wholly  wanting,  pectorals  us- 
ually present. 

v.  Snout  not  tubular  with  the  small  mouth  at  its 
end;  body  not  covered  with  bony  plates, 
eel-shaped. 

w.  Gill  openings  lateral  and  vertical;  snout 
conic,  the  jaws  not  very  heavy ;  gape  longi- 
tudinal; lips  thick;  lower  jaw  projecting; 
teeth  in  cardiform  bands  on  jaws  and 

vomer 

ww.  Gill  openings  horizontal,  inferior,  very 
close  together,  apparently  confluent;  pos- 
terior nostrils  in  front  of  eye Symbranchidce  89 

vv.  Snout  tubular,  bearing  the  small  mouth  at 
its  end;  body  angular,  covered  with  bony 
plates,  not  truly  eel-shaped Syngnathidce  id 2 


.Anguillidce     90 


CLASS  I.    MARS1POBRANCHH. 

\ 
THE  LAMPREYS. 

Skeleton  cartilaginous;  skull  not  separate  from  the  imperfectly 
segmented  vertebral  column;  no  true  jaws;  no  limbs;  no  shoulder 
girdle;  no  pelvic  elements,  and  no  ribs;  gills  purse-shaped,  without 
gill  arches;  6  or  more  gill  openings  on  each  side;  nostril  single,  on 
top  of  the  head;  heart  without  arterial  bulb;  alimentary  canal 
straight,  simple,  without  ccecal  appendages,  pancreas,  or  spleen; 
naked,  eel-shaped  animals. 


Order  I.    Hyperoartii. 


Nasal  duct  a  blind  sac  not  communicating  with  the  palate; 
mouth  nearly  circular,  suctorial. 

Family  I.     Petromyzontid&e. 

THE  LAMPREYS. 

Body  eel-shaped,  somewhat  compressed  posteriorly;  mouth  nearly 
circular,  suctorial,  and  armed  with  horny,  tooth-like  tubercles  which 
are  simple  or  multicuspid ;  those  just  above  and  below  the  oesophagus 
more  or  less  specialized ;  gill  openings  7  on  each  side  of  the  chest ;  lips 
fringed. 

The  lampreys  undergo  a  metamorphosis;  the  young  are  toothless, 
have  rudimentary  eyes,  and  live  buried  in  the  sand.  In  the  larval 
state  they  are  white,  and  evidently  feed  upon  small  Crustacea,  insect 
larvae,  and  the  like.  In  the  adult  state  the  lamprey  attaches  itself 
to  a  fish  by  means  of  its  suctorial  mouth,  rasps  off  the  flesh,  and 
feasts  upon  the  blood  and  lymph  of  the  victim. 

1.     Lampetra  Gray. 

Lampetra  Gray,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1851,  235.  (Type,  Petro- 
myzon  ftuvialilis  Linnaeus.) 

Dorsal  fin  in  two  parts,  the  second  part  continuous  with  the  low 
anal  fin  around  the  tail;  supraoral  lamina  broad,  forming  a  crescentic 
plate,  with  a  large,  bluntish  cusp  at  each  end;  lingual  teeth  small; 
buccal  plate  small,  its  few  teeth  bicuspid  and  tricuspid;  lips  fringed. 
Lampreys  of  small  size,  inhabiting  the  brooks  of  Europe  and  North 
America. 


2  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

1.  Lampetra  spadicea  Bean. 

Lampetra  spadicea  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1887,  374;  Guana- 
juato: Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1892,  283;  Tanganzicuaro : 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  13. 


FIG.  1.    LAMPETRA  SPADICEA  Bean. 

No.  38005,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma.  , 

Infraoral  lamina  with  9  cusps,  the  outer  largest;  lingual  teeth 
with  about  20  pectinae;  4  teeth  on  each  side  of  buccal  disk,  one  or 
more  being  tri cuspid,  the  others  bicuspid;  dorsal  fins  separate,  the 
interspace  .equaling  half  length  of  snout;  second  dorsal  a  little 
higher  than  the  first,  its  origin  near  middle  of  body. 

Color  chestnut  brown,  somewhat  lighter  on  the  belly;  basal  por- 
tion of  second  dorsal  pale;  the  remaining  portion  somewhat  like  the 
body.  Length  about  8  inches. 

This  species  is  probably  distributed  throughout  the  Lerma  Basin. 
Dr.  Duges  has  collected  several  specimens  in  the  upper  waters  of  the 
Lerma  near  Guanajuato.  It  has  also  been  taken  by  E.  W.  Nelson 
in  Lago  de  Chapala. 


CLASS  II.    PISCES. 

THE  FISHES. 

Skeleton  more  or  less  ossified;  skull  separate  from  the  segmented 
vertebral  column;  mouth  with  true  jaws;  limbs,  shoulder  girdle, 
and  pelvic  bones  usually  present ;  gills  attached  to  imperfect  skeletal 
arches,  usually  less  than  6  gill  openings  on  each  side;  nostrils  one  or 
more  pairs;  heart  with  arterial  bulb;  alimentary  canal  variable  in 
form,  and  with  pancreas  and  spleen. 

KEY  TO  THE  ORDERS  OF  PISCES. 

a.    Tail  heterocercal ;  vertebras  opisthoccelian  (con-  'PAGE 
cavo-convex) ;  air  bladder  cellular ;  scales  rhom- 
bic, enameled  plates Rhomboganoidea         4 

aa.  Tail  not  heterocercal;    vertebrae  amphiccelian 

(double  concave);  air  bladder,  if  present,  not 

cellular;  scales,  if  present,  of  the  ordinary  sort. 

b.    Anterior  vertebras  (about  4)  much  modified, 

co-ossified,  and  provided  with  ossicula  audi- 

tus;  ventral   fins,  if  present,  abdominal  and 

without  spines. 

c.  Maxillary  bone  imperfect,  forming  the  base 
of  a  conspicuous  barbel ;  no  subopercle ;  no 

scales Nematognathi         8 

cc.  Maxillary  bone  perfect  (rarely  wanting), 
never  entering  into  the  base  of  a  barbel; 
subopercle  present;  scales  usually  present. 

Plectospondylii       24 

bb.  Anterior  vertebrae  unmodified,  similar  to  the 
others  or  more  elongate,  separate  and  with- 
out ossicula  auditus. 

d.  Body  eel-shaped;  vertebras  numerous  (100 
to  250);  scales  minute  or  wanting;  no  ven- 
tral fins ;  pectorals  usually  present ;  gill  open- 
ings restricted ;  four  pairs  of  gill  arches. 

e.  Premaxillary,  maxillary,  and  palatine  bones 
well  developed  and  distinct  from  each 
other  as  in  ordinary  fishes;  pectoral  and 
ventral  fins  wanting;  gill  openings  con- 
fluent   Symbranchia  89 


4  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

ee.  Premaxillary  atrophied  or  lost;  maxillaries  PAGE 

lateral,  more    or   less  confluent    with  the 

palatines Apodes       90 

dd.Body   not    truly    eel-shaped;    vertebrae    in 
moderate  number  (14  to   100);  ventral  fins 
usually  present;  gill  openings  not  restricted, 
f .  Ventral  fins,  if  present,  abdominal;  fins  with- 
out spines. 

g.    Body  stout,  not  covered  with  bony  plates; 
gills  laminated;  ventral  fins  present,  ab- 
dominal, without  spines, 
h.    Mesocoracoid  well  developed ;  pectoral  fins 

inserted  low Isospondyli       9  2 

,  hh.  Mesocoracoid  always  wanting;  head  scaly ; 

dorsal  and  anal  fins  without  spines, 
i.  Lateral  line  none,  or  imperfectly  devel- 
oped ;  air  bladder  with  a  persistent  duct ; 

lower  pharyngeals  separate .Haplomi       98 

ii.  Lateral  line  developed,  concurrent  with 

the  belly ;  air  bladder  without  duct  in  the 

adult;  lower  pharyngeals  fully  united  .  . Syncntognathi     160 

gg.  Body  elongate,  covered  with  bony  plates 

which    are   firmly    connected,  forming   a 

carapace;    gills   tufted;   no   ventral    fins; 

gill  openings  small Lophobranchia     162 

ff .  Ventral    fins   usually  anterior   in    position ; 

spines  usually  present  in  the  fins Acaiithopttri     164 

Order  II.    Rhomboganoidea, 

THE  GARPIKES. 

This  order  comprises  one  family  of  living  fishes.  Tail  hetero- 
cercal;  vertebrae  connected  by  ball  and  socket  joints,  the  concavity 
of  each  vertebra  being  posterior;  air  bladder  lung-like,  but  connecting 
with  the  dorsal  side  of  the  oesophagus. 

Family  II.     Lepidosteidre. 

THE  GARPIKES. 

Body  elongate,  subcylindrical,  covered  with  hard  rhombic  ganoid 
scales  or  plates  which  are  imbricated  in  oblique  series  running  down- 
ward and  backward;  premaxillary  forming  most  of  the  upper  jaw; 
jaws  long,  spatulate  or  beak-like;  teeth  on  jaws,  vomer,  and  palatines; 


FAMILY  II.     LEPIDOSTEID.E.  5 

some  of  the  teeth  in  the  jaws  large  and  canine-like;  tail  heterocercal, 
the  vertebrae  extending  into  the  upper  lobe  of  the  tail;  an  accessory 
gill  on  inner  side  of  the  opercle;  spiral  valve  of  intestines  rudimentary. 
This  family  is  represented  in  North  America  by  four  species; 
three  of  these  have  been  taken  in  Mexico,  the  other  one  is  found  in 
southeastern  Texas,  and  probably  occurs  in  the  lower  tributaries  of 
the  Rio  Grande.  The  fishes  of  this  family  are  especially  interesting, 
because  they  are  the  last  living  relations  of  a  laYge  group  of  ganoid 
fishes  now  extinct. 

2.    Lepidosteus  Lace"pede. 
THE  GARPIKES. 

Lepisosteus    Lace"pede,    Hist.    Nat.   Poiss.,   v,  331,  1803.     (Type, 

Lepisosteus  gavialis  Lac6pede= Esox  osseus  Linnaeus.) 
AtractosteusR.afinesq\ie,  Ich.  Ohiensis,  72,  1820.     (Type,  Lepisosteus 
ferox"R.afi.nesque=  Lepidosteus  tristcechtis  Bloch  &  Schneider.) 
Cylindrosteus  Rafinesque,  Ich.  Ohiensis,  72, 1820.  (Type,  Lepisosteus 

platostomus  Rafinesque.) 

Jaws  with  one  or  more  series  of  teeth,  some  being  enlarged  and 
fitting  into  a  depression  in  the  opposite  jaw;  usually  some  of  the 
anterior  teeth  movable ;  teeth  on  vomer  and  palatines ;  in  the  young 
the  anterior  teeth  are  often  enlarged. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  LEPIDOSTEUS. 

a.    Large  teeth  of  upper  jaw  in  a  single  row  on  PAGE 

each  side. 

b.  Jaws    long   and    slender;    snout    more    than 

twice  length  of  rest  of  head osseus         5 

bb.  Jaws  shorter  and  broader,  little  longer  than 

rest  of  head [platystomus]         6 

aa.  Large  teeth  of  upper  jaw  in  two  series  on 
each  side;  jaws  short  and  broad,  not  longer 
.than  rest  of  head. 

c.  Scales  60  in  the  lateral  series;  dorsal  rays  8 tristoechus         6 

cc.  Scales  53  in  the  lateral  series;  dorsal  rays  6 [tropicus]         7 

Subgenus  Lepidosteus  Lac6pede. 

2.  Lepidosteus  osseus  (Linnaeus).     LONG-NOSED   GARPIKE;  COMMON 

GARPIKE. 

Esox  osseus  Linnaeus,  Syst.   Nat.,  Ed.  x,  313,   1758;    after  Acus 
maxima  squamosa  viridis  of  Artedi. 


6  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Lepidosteus  osseus  Giinther,  Cat.,  vin,  330,  1870;  North  America. 

Lepisosteus  osseus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  109:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900, 
117;  Tampico:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  72;  Santa 
Rosalia. 

Great  Lakes  to  the  Carolinas  and  Mexico  as  far  south  as  Tam- 
pico. (San  Juan;  Valles;  Forlon.) 

Head  3;  depth  12;  D.  8;  A.  9;  scales  about  62.  Body  elongate, 
cylindrical;  jaws  long  and  slender,  beak-like;  snout  more  than  twice 
length  of  rest  of  head,  its  least  width  15  to  20  in  its  length; 
large  teeth  of  the  upper  jaw  in  a  single  row  on  each  side;  ventral 
fins  with  6  rays. 

Color  olivaceous,  pale,  somewhat  silvery  below;  vertical  fins  and 
posterior  part  of  the  body  with  round  black  spots,  which  are  more 
distinct  in  the  young;  very  young  with  a  black  lateral  band.  Length 
about  3  feet. 

The  most  southern  record  of  this  species  is  Valles,  in  the 
Rio  Panuco  Basin.  I  saw  quite  a  number  in  a  deep  sluggish  creek 
at  Forlon,  but  was  unable  to  capture  any  of  them.  This  species 
seldom  exceeds  a  length  of  3  feet,  and  except  on  the  Arkansas  River, 
I  have  never  seen  it  used  for  food.  It  is  easily  distinguished  from 
the  other  members  of  the  family  by  its  exceedingly  long,  narrow, 
beak-like  jaws. 

Subgenus  Oylindrosteus  Rafinesque. 

Lepidosteus  platystomus  Rafinesque.     SHORT-NOSED  GARPIKE. 

Lepisosteus  platostomus  Rafinesque,  Ichth.  Ohiensis,  72,  1820;  Ohio  River. 

Lepidosteus  platysiomus  Gunther,  Cat.,  vin,  329,  1870:  Jordan  &  Evjrmann, 
Bull.  47,  U.S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  no. 

Mississippi  Valley  south  to  the  Rio  Pecos  in  Texas,  ranging  as  far  east  as 
Florida. 

Head  3^;  depth  8;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  about  56.  Body  elongate, cylindrical; 
jaws  broad,  beak-like;  snout  usually  about  one-third  longer  than  rest  of 
head,  its  least  width  5  to  6  in  its  length;  large  teeth  of  upper  jaw  in  a  single 
row  on  each  side. 

Color  similar  to  the  preceding,  but  usually  darker.     Length  2  or  3  feet. 

This  species  probably  occurs  in  northeastern  Mexico. 

Subgenus  Atractosteus  Rafinesque. 

3.  Lepidosteus  tristoechus  (Bloch  &  Schneider).     ALLIGATOR  GAR- 
PIKE;  MANJUARI. 
Esox  tristoechus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  395,  1801 ;  Cuba; 

after  Manjuari  of  Para. 
Lepidosteus     berlandieri     Girard,    Pac.    R.    R.    Sur.,    353,    1858; 

Tamaulipas. 

Atractosteus  lucius  Dumeril,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  n,  364,  1870; 
Tampico,  Mexico. 


FAMILY  II.     LEPIDOSTEID^E.  7 

Lepidosteus   tropicus   Gtinther,    Fishes,    Cent.    Amer.,   490,    1866; 

Huamuchal. 
Lepidosteus  viridis   Gxinther,   Cat.,   vm,  329,   1870;   Huamuchal; 

Mexico. 

Lepisosteus  tristcechus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,111:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  117;  Tampico. 

Rio  Panuco  north  to  the  mouth  of  the  Missouri  River,  south  and 
east  to  Cuba.  (Tampico.) 

Head  3/^;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  about  60.  Body  elongate,  cylin- 
drical; jaws  beak-like;  snout  usually  shorter  than  rest  of  head,  its 
least  width  3^  times  its  length;  18  to  20  scales  in  oblique  series 
from  ventrals  to  middle  of  dorsal  fin;  ventral  fin  with  6  rays. 

Color  greenish,  pale  below;  the  adult  usually  not  spotted.  Length 
10  to  12  feet. 

I  saw  quite  a  number  of  this  species  in  the  Tampico  markets 
where  it  was  regarded  as  a  very  good  food  fish.  This  fish  is  reported 
to  be  quite  abundant  in  the  large  river  channels  and  the  lagoons 
about  Tampico.  It  is  one  of  our  largest  fresh-water  fishes. 

Lepidosteus  tropicus  (Gill).     TROPICAL  GARPIKE. 

Atractosteus  tropicus  Gill,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  172;  streams 
near  Panama. 

Lepisosteus  tropicus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896, 
in:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  139; 
Montecristo  and  Teapa,  Tabasco. 

Central  America  and  southern  Mexico,  south  of  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec. 

Head  3^;  depth  9;  D.  5;  A.  7;  scales  53.  Body  cylindrical,  rather  short  and 
stout;  snout  short  and  broad,  its  length  less  then  half  that  of  head;  upper  jaw 
the  longer;  teeth  sharp,  those  of  upper  jaw  in  two  lateral  rows;  enlarged  teeth  of 
lower  jaw  in  one  row;  eye  small;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly  behind  that  of  anal; 
pectoral  rays  12  ;  ventral  rays  6. 

Color  leaden  silvery  above,  white  on  belly;  a  few  spots  on  posterior  part  of 
body;  rays  of  dorsal,  caudal,  and  anal  dusky;  the  membranes  pale;  pectorals  and 
ventrals  pale.  Length  2  feet,  possibly  much  larger. 

This  species  has  not  been  recorded  farther  north  than  Montecristo,  on  the 
Rio  Usumacinta,  and  Teapa  on  the  Rio  Teapa,  both  places  being  in  the  State  of 
Tabasco.  Its  southernmost  range  is  the  Isthmus  of  Panama.  It  is  very  closely 
related  to  the  preceding  species. 


Order  in.    Hematognathi, 

THE  CATFISHES. 

Fishes  with  the  four  anterior  vertebrae  co-ossified,  and  with  ossicula 
auditus;  maxillary  rudimentary,  forming  the  base  of  a  conspicuous 
barbel;  no  subopercle;  body  naked,  or  more  or  less  covered  with 
bony  plates.  A  large  order  comprising  several  families,  only  one 
of  which  is  represented  in  Mexico. 

Family  III.     Siluridae. 

Body  more  or  less  elongate,  naked  or  covered  with  bony  plates; 
no  true  scales;  anterior  portion  of  the  head  with  two  or  more  barbels, 
the  base  of  the  longest  pair  formed  by  the  small  or  rudimentary 
maxillary;  margin  of  the  upper  jaw  formed  by  the  premaxillaries 
only;  subopercle  absent;  opercle  present;  dorsal  fin  usually  short, 
opposite  to  or  in  front  of  ventrals;  adipose  fin  present;  anterior 
rays  of  dorsal  and  pectoral  fins  spinous;  air  bladder  usually  present, 
large,  and  connected  with  the  organ  of  hearing  by  means  of  auditory 
ossicles;  lower  pharyngeals  separate. 

The  catfishes  of  Mexico  allied  to  those  found  in  the  United  States, 
have  representatives  known  as  far  south  as  the  Rio  Usumacinta  in 
Guatemala.  None  of  the  South.  American  forms  have  yet  been 
taken  farther  north  than  Cordoba  and .  Orizaba. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  SILURID/E. 

a.  Adipose  fin  small,  its  posterior  margin  free.  PAGE 

b.    Nostrils  close  together,  neither  with  a  barbel, 

the  posterior  with  a  valve;  teeth  on  palate  .  .  .  .Galeichthys         9 
bb.  Nostrils  remote  from  each  other, 
c.  Posterior  nostril  with  a  barbel;  barbels  8,  the 
longest  reaching  past  eye ;  teeth  on  the  lower 
jaw  well  developed. 

d.    Premaxillary  band  of  teeth  truncate  behind,, 
not  produced  backward  at  the  outer  angles. 
e.  Supraoccipital  bone  continued   backward 
from  the  nape ,  its  notched  tip  receiving  the 
bone  at  base  of  dorsal  spine,  so  that  a  con- 
tinuous bony  bridge  is  formed  under  the 

skin  from  snout  to  base  of  dorsal Ichikyaelurus        ro 

ee.  Supraoccipital    bone  not   reaching    inter- 
spinal  bones ;  the  bridge  incomplete Amiurus       1 2 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN   MUSEUM. 


PLATE  IV,  ZOOLOGY. 


m 


GALEICHTHYS  AGUADULCE  Meek. 


FAMILY  III.     SILURID^;.  9 

dd.  Premaxillary  band  of  teeth  with  a  lateral  PAGE 

backward  extension  on  each  side, 
f.    Lower  jaw  shorter  than  the  upper;   head 

not  much  depressed;  anal  rays  21  to  24 htlarius       17 

ff.  Lower  jaw  longer  than   the  upper;    head 

much  depressed;  anal  rays  12  to  15 Leptops       18 

cc.  Posterior  nostril    without  a  barbel;    barbels 
6 ,  the  longest  not  reaching  eye ;  teeth  in  the 

lower  jaw  very  weak Conorhynchus]       19 

aa.  Adipose  fin  long,  its    posterior  margin  adnate 

to  the  back Rhamdia       20 

Subfamily  Tachysurinse. 
3.     Galeichthys  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 
Galeichthys  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  v,  28,  1840. 

(Type,  Galeichthys  jeliceps  Cuv.  &  Val.,  etc.) 

Body  more  or  less  elongate;  head  armed  with  a  bony  shield  above, 
behind  which  is  an  occipital  shield;  skull  with  a  fontanelle;  mouth 
rather  small,  the  upper  jaw  the  longer;  villiform  or  granular  teeth 
in  each  jaw;  teeth  on  vomer  and  palatines;  barbels  6,  none  at  nostrils; 
adipose  fin  small,  its  posterior  margin  free ;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked. 
A  large  group  of  marine  catfishes,  especially  numerous  on  sandy 
shores  in  tropical  seas.  It  is  not  known  to  what  extent  these  fishes 
enter  fresh  water. 

4.  Qaleichthys  aguadulce  sp.  nov.     BAGRE. 

Type,  No.  4678,  F.  C.  M.,  n^  inches  in  length;  Perez,  Vera  Cruz. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Papaloapam. 

Head  3f ;  depth  4^;  D.  i,  6;  A.  17.  Body  elongate,  moderately 
compressed  posteriorly;  head  long  and  slender,  narrow  forward,  its 
greatest  width  i^  m  its  length,  not  much  depressed;  mouth  rather 
small,  its  width  3  in  head;  upper  jaw  the  longer;  teeth  in  jaws  in 
villiform  bands;  vomerine  teeth  in  two  large  patches,  slightly  separate 
from  each  other,  and  without  backward  projection;  snout  2^  in 
head;  diameter  of  eye  5^  in  head; -tip  of  maxillary  barbel  reach- 
ing slightly  past  base  of  pectoral,  outer  mental  barbel  to  gill  opening; 
gill  membranes  broadly  connected  to  isthmus,  their  hinder  margin 
free ;  top  of  head  posterior  to  orbits  granular ;  occipital  process  longer 
than  broad;  posterior  margin  of  fontanelle  midway  between  tip  of 
snout  and  base  of  dorsal  spine,  the  fontanelle  extending  as  a  groove 
nearly  to  occipital  process;  dorsal  spine  rather  slender,  its  length  \% 
in  head;  anterior  margin  of  dorsal  spine  nearly  smooth,  its  posterior 
margin  slightly  serrate;  anterior  margin  of  pectoral  spine  smooth, 


io  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM— ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

the  posterior  finely  denticulate;  length  of  pectoral  spine  if  in  head; 
caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer. 

Color  dark  bluish  above,  much  lighter  below;  the  dark  color 
on  lower  half  of  sides  and  on  fins  made  up  of  small  dark  punctula- 
tions;  ventral  and  pectorals  and  distal  half  of  anal  nearly  black; 
caudal  and  dorsal  with  tips  of  rays  black;  belly  white. 

One  specimen  (type)  from  Perez. 

Subfamily  Ichthyeelurinse. 
4.    IchthywluruH  Rafinesque. 

CHANNEL  CATS;  BAGRES. 
Ictalurus  Rafinesque,  Ichth.  Ohiensis,  61,  1820.     (Type,  Pimelodus 

maculatus  Rafinesque  =  Ictalurus  punctatus  Rafinesque.) 
Body  elongate,  slender,  compressed  posteriorly;  head  slender  and 
conical;  supraoccipital  bone  or  process  prolonged  backward,  its 
emarginated  apex  receiving  the  accuminate  anterior  point  of  the 
second  interspinal,  thus  forming  a  continuous  bony  ridge  from  the 
head  to  the  dorsal  spine;  mouth  small,  terminal,  the  upper  jaw  the, 
longer;  teeth, in  a  short  band  in  each  jaw;  dorsal  fin  with  one  spine 
and  usually  6  soft  rays;  adipose  fin  short,  with  free  posterior  margin 
opposite  posterior  margin  of  anal  fin;  anal  fin  long,  25  to  35 
rays;  pectoral  spine  strong,  retrorse-serrate  within;  caudal  fin  elon- 
gate, deeply  forked. 

The  fishes  of  this  genus  live  chiefly  in  river  channels.  As  food 
fishes  they  are  superior  to  other  members  of  the  catfish  family  in 
North  America. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  ICHTHY^ELURUS. 
a.     Anal  fin  very  long,  its  base  nearly  %  its  body,  PAGE 

its  rays  3  2  to  3  5 furcatus       i  o 

aa.  Anal  fin  shorter,  its  rays  25  to  29. 
b.     Barbels  long,  extending  considerably  beyond 

gill  opening;  anal  rays  about  26. punctatus       n 

bb.  Barbels  short,  the  longest  only  reaching  gill 

opening;  anal  rays   28  or   29 meridionalis       1 1 

5.  Ichthyaelurus  furcatus  (Le  Sueur).     CHUCKLE-HEADED  CAT. 

Pimelodus  furcatus    Le  Sueur,  in    Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist. 

Nat.  Poiss.,  v,  136,  1840;  New  Orleans. 
Pimelodus  affinis  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.   Phila., 

1854,  26,  Rio  Grande:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  32,  pi.  xvi,  1859; 

mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande,  at  Brownsville,  Texas. 
Amiurus  furcatus  Giinther,  Cat.,  v,   103,   1864. 


FAMILY  III.     SILURID^;.  u 

Amiurus  affinis  Giinther,  Cat.,  v,  103,  1864. 

Ictalurus  furcatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  134:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Com.,  1900, 
171 ;  Rio  Tamesin,  Tampico. 

Rio  Panuco  north  to  Iowa  and  Ohio. 

Head  4%;  depth  4  (in  adults)  to  5^  (in  young);  D.  i,  6;  A.  32 
to  35.  Body  elongate;  profile  from  snout  to  dorsal  somewhat  con- 
cave, especially  in  adults;  head  small;  eye  small,  the  middle  of  the 
head  being  behind  its  posterior  margin;  pectoral  spine  rather  long; 
humeral  spine  stout,  shortish,  not  reaching  middle  of  pectoral  spine; 
anal  fin  long,  its  base  about  3  in  body,  its  rays  32  to  35. 

Color  silvery,  plain  or  somewhat  spotted.     Length  about  4  feet. 

A  specimen  of  this  species,  which  was  reported  to  have  been 
caught  in  the  Rio  Tamesoe,  was  purchased  by  Dr.  Jordan  in  1899 
in  the  Tampico  Markets.  This  species  is  known  to  reach  a  weight 
of  150  pounds,  being  the  largest  catfish  known  in  American  waters. 
It  lives  in  clear  running  streams,  and  is  an  excellent  food  fish.  Dr. 
Evermann  informs  me  that  this  species  was  taken  by  E.  W.  Nelson 
.in  the  Rio  Soto  la  Marina,  Tamaulipas. 

6.  Ichthytelurus  punctatus  (Rafinesque).    CHANNEL  CAT;  WHITE  CAT. 

Silurus  punctatus  Rafinesque,  American  Monthly  Magazine,  1818, 
359;  Ohio  River. 

Ictalurus  punctatus  Woolman,  Bull.   U.  S.   Fish  Com.,   1894,   56; 
Rio  Grande,  El  Paso,  Texas:     Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  134. 

Rio  Panuco  and  streams  tributary  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  north  in 
the  Mississippi  Valley  to  the  rivers  of  the  Great  Lake  region.  (Forlon.) 

Head  4;  depth  5;  D.  i,  6;  A.  25  to  30.  Body  elongate,  slender, 
back  little  elevated;  head  rather  small,  narrow,  convex  above; 
eye  large,  a  little  anterior  of  middle  of  head;  mouth  small; 
barbels  long,  the  maxillary  barbel  reaching  more  or  less  be- 
yond gill  opening;  humeral  process  long  and  slender;  more 
than  yz  length  of  pectoral  spine;  pectoral  spine  strongly  serrate 
behind. 

Color  light  bluish  above,  the  sides  pale  or  silvery,  and  almost 
always  with  irregular,  small,  round  dark  spots;  fins  often  with  dark 
edgings.  Length  about  3  feet. 

This  fish,  though  smaller,  is  very  similar  in  appearance  and 
habits  to  the  preceding  species. 

7.  Ichthyaslurus  meridionalis  (Giinther).    TROPICAL  CATFISH;  BAGRE. 

Amiurus  meridionalis  Giinther,  Cat.,  v,  102,  1864;  Rio  Usuma- 
cinta. 


12  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Ictahirus  meridionalis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  135. 

Large  streams  on  the  Atlantic  side  of  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuan- 
tepec.  (Otopa.) 

Head  4  to  ^%\  depth  5 ;  D.  i,  6;  A.  28  to  29.  Body  elongate; 
head  }4  to  y$  longer  than  broad;  snout  obtusely  rounded,  the  upper 
jaw  longer  than  the  lower;  premaxillary  teeth  in  a  band,  5  or  6 
times  as  broad  as  long;  maxillary  barbels  reaching  to  end  of 
head;  outer  mandibular  barbels  reaching  to  posterior  margin 
of  gill  membranes;  distance  of  origin  of  dorsal  fin  from  tip  of 
snout  2  to  2%  in  its  distance  from  caudal  fin,  its  spine  finely 
retrorse-serrate  on  posterior  margin;  length  of  base  of  adipose 
fin  equaling  that  of  dorsal,  the  fin  short;  pectoral  spine  strongly 
retrorse-serrate  on  inner  margin,  its  length  i^  in  head,  the  spine 
stronger  and  a  little  shorter  than  the  dorsal  spine ;  pectoral  fin  longer 
than  ventral,  i^  in  length  of  head;  ventral  extending  to  origin 
of  anal  fin;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked. 

Color  brownish  above,  with  steel  blue  reflections;  lower  half  of 
body  silvery,  with  a  reddish  tinge  and  finely  punctulate  with  dark 
dots.  Length  of  adults  not  known. 

One  specimen  5^  inches  in  length  was  taken  in  the  Rio  Otopa 
at  Otopa. 

5.     Amiurus  Rafinesque. 
THE  HORNED  POUTS. 

Ameiurus  Rafinesque,  Ichth.  Ohiensis,  65,  1820.  (Type,Pimelodus 
cnpreits  Rafinesque  =  Pimelodus  natalis  LeSueur.) 

Haustor  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896, 
135.  (Type,  Qadus  lacustris  Walbaum.) 

Body  moderately  elongate,  robust  anteriorly,  the  caudal  peduncle 
much  compressed;  head  large,  wide;  supraoccipital  extended  back- 
ward, terminating  in  a  more  or  less  acute  point,  which  is  entirely 
separate  from  the  second  inter-spinal  buckler;  skin  covering  the 
bones  usually  thick;  mouth  large,  the  upper  jaw  in  most  species  the 
longer;  teeth  in  broad  bands  on  the  premaxillaries  and  dentaries; 
band  on  upper  jaw  convex  in  front,  of  equal  breadth  and  without 
backward  prolongation;  adipose  fin  short,  its  hinder  margin  free; 
anal  fin  of  15  to  35  rays;  caudal  fin  usually  short,  truncate  or 
deeply  forked;  lateral  line  usually  incomplete;  all  Mexican  species 
so  far  known,  except  one  (Amiurns  natalis},  with  a  deeply 
forked  caudal  fin. 


FAMILY  III.     SILURIDJE.  13 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  AMIURUS. 

a.  Caudal  fin  lunate  or  forked.  PAGE 

b.   Base  of  anal  fin  longer  than  head,  its  rays  24 
or  more;  upper  jaw  the  longer. 

c.  Head    very  broad,   not    narrowed   forward; 
dorsal  spine  2^  in  head;   pectoral  spine  2?, 

its  inner  margin  rough,  but  without  teeth .australis       13 

cc.  Head  less  broad,  and  narrowed  forward; 
dorsal  spine  long,  its  length  if  in  head; 
pectoral  spine  i^  in  head,  its  hinder  margin 

with  7  to  9  retrorse  teeth lupus       14 

bb.  Base  of  anal  fin  equal  to  or  shorter  than  the 
head;  anal  rays  about  20. 

d.  Dorsal  spine    long,  134  to   if  in  head;  pec- 
toral spine  weakly  serrate  on  inner  margin. 

e.     Pectoral  spine  strong,  its  length  2  in  head; 
caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  its  inner  rays  less 

'   than  half  its  outer dugesi       14 

ee.   Pectoral  spine  moderate,  its  length  2f  in 
head;   caudal  fin  moderately  forked,   its 

inner  rays  i^  in  the  outer mexicanus       15 

dd.  Dorsal  spine   short,  2%   in   head;   pectoral 
spine  short  and  strong  and  strongly  serrate 

on  its  inner  margin,  its  length  2|  in  head pricei       15 

aa.  Caudal    fin   truncate,  or  very  slightly  lunate; 

anal  rays  24  to  27 natalis       16 

Subgenus  Haustor  Jordan  &  Evcrmann. 

8.  Amiurus  australis  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4474,  F.  C.  M.,  17.7  inches  in  length;  Forlon,  Tamauli- 
pas. 

Rio  Panuco  to  the  Rio  Blanco  in  Southern  Vera  Cruz.  (Forlon; 
Rio  Blanco.) 

Head  3^;  depth  5^;  D.  i,  6;  A.  26.  Body  elongate,  head 
broad  and  much  depressed,  its  greatest  width  i^  in  its  length; 
interorbital  2^;  eye  father  small,  6^  in  head;  upper  jaw  consid- 
erably the  longer;  teeth  on  jaws  in  bands,  and  without  backward 
projections;  maxillary  barbels  long,  their  tips  reaching  middle  of 
pectoral  fin;  dorsal  spine  2|  in  head;  pectoral  spine  rather  strong, 
2^  in  head,  its  inner  margin  rough,  but  without  teeth;  anal  fin  long, 
its  base  slightly  longer  than  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  but  less  so  than 
in  species  of  Ickthy&lurus;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  3  in  head. 


14  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Color  dark  slaty  blue,  belly  white,  somewhat  marbled  with 
brownish;  all  of  the  fins  very  dark. 

.While  in  the  Midland  Bridge  Company's  Camp  at  Rio  Blanco, 
one  of  the  men  caught  a  catfish  25  inches  in  length,  which  I  identify 
with  this  species.  The  following  are  some  of  the  notes  made  con- 
cerning it:  total  length,  25  inches;  length  to  base  of  caudal  21^ 
inches;  length  of  head  5^  inches;  depth  5^  inches;  length  of  base 
of  anal  6  inches;  bridge  from  snout  to  dorsal  fin  not  complete;  max- 
illary teeth  without  backward  extension;  caudal  fin  forked,  but  not 
sharply,  its  lobes  rounded;  inner  margin  of  pectoral  fin  but  slightly 
serrate;  body  marked  with  dark  blotches.  Large  catfish  are  reported 
from  all  of  the  large  rivers  which  I  visited  south  of  Vera  Cruz,  but 
the  specimen  noted  above  is  the  only  large  one  I  saw. 

9.  Amiurus  lupus  (Girard).     BAGRE;  PETONTE. 

Pimelodus  lupus  Girard,  Pac.  R.  R.  Sur.,x,  211,  1858;  Rio  Pecos. 

Amiurus  lupus  Gimther,  Cat.,  v,   101,  1864. 

Ameiurus  lupus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  137. 

Rivers  of  northeastern  Mexico  and  southeastern  Texas.  (San 
Juan;  Montemorelos ;  Linares;  La  Cruz;  Garza  Valdez.) 

Head  3^;  depth  4^"  to  4^!  D-  *,  6;  A.  23  or  24.  Body  elongate, 
moderately  compressed;  head  flat  above,  narrowed  forward;  upper 
jaw  the  longer;  interorbital  area  2^3  in  head;  snout  2^3  in  head;  diam- 
eter of  eye  3  /^  in  head ;  maxillary  barbel  reaching  almost  to  tip  of  pec- 
toral spine;  outer  mandibulary  barbels  reaching  to  base  of  pectoral; 
origin  of  dorsal  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  adipose  fin;  dorsal  spine 
rather  long  and  slender,  its  length  i£  in  head,  weakly  serrate  on 
hinder  margin;  pectoral  spine  strong,  with  7  to  9  retrose  teeth  on 
hinder  margin  (these  becoming  somewhat  smaller  in  specimens  12 
inches  in  length) ;  pectoral  spine  i  ^  in  head ;  base  of  anal  fin  longer 
than  head,  $%  to  3^  in  body;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked. 

Color  slaty  brownish  above,  lighter  below;  sides  finely  punctulate; 
occasionally  a  few  black  spots  on  side  made  up  of  dots;  fins  dusky 
with  more  or  less  orange  base;  margin  of  vertical  fins  black.  Length 
about  1 8  inches. 

This  species  very  much  resembles  in  color  and  form  Ichthycelurus 
punctatus,  from  which  it  differs  in  having  a  somewhat  less  forked  tail, 
larger  eye,  and  a  shorter  anal.  The  supraoccipital  is  entirely  separate 
from  the  interspinal  buckler  which  makes  it  a  true  Amiurus.  This 
species  is  abundant  in  the  streams  of  northeastern  Mexico.  It  lives 
mostly  in  river  channels. 


FAMILY  III.     SILURID^E.  15 

10.  Amiurus  dugesi  Bean.     BAGRE. 

Amiurus  dugesi  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  304;  Rio 
Turbio,  Guanajuato:  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1894,  61;  Rio  Lerma,  Salamanca,  Guanajuato:  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  138:  Jordan  & 
Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900,  117;  Lago  de  Chapala 
&  Guadalajara  market:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902, 
73;  Ocotlan;  La  Barca;  La  Palma. 
Amiurus  catus  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1901,  204; 

Estado  de  Jalisco. 

Rio  Lerma,  and  in  Lago  de  Chapala,  but  does  not  occur  in  the 
lakes  about  the  City  of  Mexico,  nor  in  Lago  de  Patzcuaro. 

Head  3f;  depth  5;  D.  i,  6;  A.  20.  Body  rather  elongate;  head 
moderate,  flattish  above;  interorbital  2%',  eye  5^;  upper  jaw  slightly 
the  longer;  maxillary  barbels  reaching  slightly  beyond  base  of  pec- 
toral; pectoral  spine  strong,  its  length  i^  in  head,  weakly  serrate 
behind;  base  of  anal  43^  in  body,  shorter  than  the  head;  caudal  fin 
deeply  forked,  its  inner  rays  less  than  half  length  of  outer  rays. 

Color  light  steel  blue  above,  lighter  below;  margin  of  vertical  fins 
black;  body  without  black  spots.  Length  2  to  3  feet. 

As  a  food  fish,  this  is  one  of  the  most  important  in  the  region  where 
found. 

11.  Amiurus  mexicanus  sp.  nov.     BAGRE. 

Type,  No.  4507,  F.  C.  M.,  n^  inches  in  length;  Rascon,  San 
Luis  Potosi. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Panuco.      (Rio  Verde;  Rascon.) 

Head  3f ;  depth  5^;  D.  i,  6;  A.  20  or  21.  Body  elongate,  com- 
pressed behind;  head  flat,  considerably  depressed;  interorbital  2^ 
in  head;  upper  jaw  somewhat  the  longer;  mouth  wide,  its  width  if 
in  head;  eye  6  in  head;  snout  3;  dorsal  spine  moderate,  its  length  2% 
in  head;  pectoral  spine  nearly  smooth  on  hinder  margin  (slightly 
serrate  in  young  specimens),  its  length  2^  in  head;  base  of  anal 
considerably  shorter  than  head,  4^  in  body;  caudal  fin  forked,  but 
much  less  so  than  in  Amiurus  lupus;  maxillary  barbels  reaching 
slightly  beyond  base  of  pectorals ;  outer  mandibular  barbel  not  reach- 
ing to  gill  opening. 

Color  dark  steel  blue,  lighter  below;  sides  of  body  without  black 
spots;  skin  very  rough,  with  fleshy  hair-like  projections.  Length 
12  to  1 8  inches. 

I  secured  one  large  and  one  small  specimen  of  this  species  at 
Rascon,  and  Dr.  Tower  collected  three  specimens  at  Rio  Verde.  It 
is  probably  one  of  the  smaller  catfishes  of  Mexico. 


:6  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

12.  Amiurus  price!   (Rutter).     BAGRE  DE  SONORA. 

Villarins  pricei  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1896,  257;  San 
Bernardino  Creek,  a  tributary  of  the  Rio  Yaqui  in  southern 
Arizona:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1900,  2799. 

Ameiurus  dugesi  Bean,  Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  1898,  168; 
Rio  Verde,  near  San  Diego,  Chihuahua. 

Ameiurus  pricei  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  73;  Minaca. 

Streams  of  the  Sierra  Madre  Mountains  in  Chihuahua,  Sonora 
and  Durango.  (Lerdo;  Durango.) 

Head  3$;  depth  5;  D.  i,  6;  A.  19.  Body  elongate,  head  rather 
narrow;  lower  jaw  the  shorter;  interorbital  width  2^  in  head;  eye 
small,  6  in  head;  maxillary  barbels  reaching  slightly  beyond  gill 
openings;  pectoral  spine  smooth  in  front,  strongly  retrose-serrate 
behind,  its  length  2%  in  head;  base  of  anal  1%  in  head,  4^  in  body; 
caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  its  inner  rays  about  one-half  the  length 
of  outer  ones. 

Color  bluish  above,  lighter  below;  a  few  dark  spots  on  the 
body;  lobes  of  caudal  edged  with  black.  Length  probably  2  feet  or 
more. 

All  specimens  of  this  species  which  I  have  seen  were  less  than  12 
inches  in  length.  Mr.  C.  M.  Barber,  who  has  traveled  extensively 
in  Chihuahua  and  Sonora,  informs  me  that  there  is  a  large  catfish  in 
the  upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Yaqui.  It  is  quite  likely  that  this  is 
the  species,  and  that  it  grows  to  a  length  of  2  feet  or  more. 

Subgenus  Amiurus  Rafinesque. 

13.  Amiurus  natalis  (Le  Sueur).     YELLOW  CAT. 

Pimelodus  natalis   Le  Sueur,    Mem.    Mus.,  v,    1819,    154;    North 

America. 
Ameiurus  natalis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1896,  139. 
Amiurus    natalis    antoniensis    Jordan,    Bull.    U.    S.    Geol.    Sur., 

1878,  405;  Brownsville,  Texas. 

Northeastern  Mexico  to  the  Great  Lake  region,  and  east  to  Vir- 
ginia. 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  4  to  5;  D.  i,  6;  A.  24  to  27.  Body  not 
much  elongate,  usually  rather  deep  and  chubby ;  head  wide  and  flattish, 
not  much  longer  than  broad,  the  mouth  very  wide;  jaws  equal  or  the 
lower  the  shorter;  pectoral  spine  with  a  few  teeth  on  its  inner  margin, 
its  length  about  2  in  head;  anal  fin  very  long,  its  base  about  4  in 
body;  caudal  fin  truncate  or  slightly  notched. 


FAMILY  III. 


Color  yellowish,  greenish,  or  blackish,  very  variable.  Length  12 
to  1 8  inches. 

The  most  southern  record  for  this  species  is  the  Rio  Grande  at 
Brownsville,  Texas.  It  is  the  only  member  of  the  family  found  in 
Mexico  which  does  not  have  a  decidedly  forked  tail. 

6.     Istlarius  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Istlarius  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900,  118. 
(Type,  Istlarius  balsanus  Jordan  &  Snyder.) 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  teeth  in  villiform  bands 
in  both  jaws,  the  one  in  the  upper  jaw  with  an  angular  posterior  ex- 
tension on  each  side;  band  of  teeth  in  lower  jaw  with  a  median  divi- 
sion growing  narrow  and  pointed  posteriorly ;  gill  rakers  long  and  slen- 
der, 1 7  on  first  gill  arch ;  barbels  8 ;  skin  completely  covering  the  head ; 
supraoccipital  bone  widely  separated  from  interspinal;  humeral 
process  short,  almost  hidden  ~by  the  skin;  adipose  fin  with  its  pos- 
terior margin  free. 

14.  Istlarius  balsanus  Jordan  &  Snyder.     BAGRE  DEL  BALSAS. 

Istlarius   balsanus   Jordan   &    Snyder,    Bull.    U.  S.  Fish   Comm., 
1900,  118;  Rio  Ixtla,  Puente  de  Ixtla,  Morelos:  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3138:  Meek,  Field  Col. 
Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  72;  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas. 
1  Basin  of  the   Rio   Balsas.     (Cuautla;  Jojutla.) 


FIG.  2.    JAWS  SHOWING  TEETH  OF  ISTLARIUS  BALSANUS  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Head  4;  depth  4^3;  D.  i,  6;  A.  24.  Body  oblong,  deep,  some- 
what compressed;  head  narrow,  not  greatly  depressed;  upper  jaw 
the  longer;  eye  small,  5>£  in  head;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin 
of  dorsal  fin  2 y^  in  body;  tips  of  maxillary  barbels  reaching  slightly 
past  base  of  pectoral ;  pectoral  spine  slightly  serrate  on  inner  margin ; 
anal  fin  long,  its  base  equaling  length  of  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  the 
lobes  equal;  caudal  peduncle  robust,  its  least  depth  2^3  in  the  head. 


i8  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Color  bluish  slate  above,  light  silvery  below;  a  few  small  dark 
spots  on  head  and  sides;  fins  dusky.  Length  3  feet  or  more. 

This  is  the  only  member  of  the  catfish  family  yet  known  from 
the  basin  of  the  Rio  Balsas,  where  it  lives  in  the  clear  deep  water  of 
the  main  stream  and  its  larger  tributaries.  It  is  an  excellent  food  fish. 

7.     Leptops  Rafinesque. 
MUD-CATS. 

Leptops  Rafinesque,  Ichth.  Ohiensis,  64,  1820.  (Type,  Silurus  vis- 
cosus  Rafinesque  —Silurus  olivaris  Rafinesque.) 

Body  elongate,  slender,  much  depressed  anteriorly;  head  large, 
very  wide  and  depressed;  skin  very  thick,  entirely  concealing  the 
skull ;  supraoccipital  bone  entirely  free  from  the  head  of  second  inter- 
spinal;  eyes  small;  mouth  very  large,  the  lower  jaw  always  project- 
ing beyond  the  upper;  teeth  in  broad  villiform  bands  on  premaxil- 
laries  and  dentaries;  band  on  the  upper  jaw  .convex  anteriorly,  and 
at  insertion  of  the  maxillaries,  proceeding  backward  as  an  elongated 
triangular  extension;  premaxillary  band  of  teeth  slightly  divided  at 
the  symphysis;  lower  band  of  teeth  attenuated  at  the  corners  of  the 
mouth;  branchiostigals  12;  adipose  fin  large,  its  posterior  margin  free; 
dorsal  and  pectoral  each  with  a  spine-like  ray;  anal  fin  small;  caudal 
oblong  and  truncate. 

15.  Leptops  olivaris  (Rafinesque).     MUD-CAT;  BAGRE;  BESUGO. 
Silurus   olivaris   Rafinesque,    Amer.    Monthly   Mag.,    1818,    355; 

Ohio  River. 

Amiurus  punctulatus  Gtinther,  Cat.,  v,  101,  1864. 
Leptops  olivaris  Woolman,  Bull.  U.S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  56;  Rio 
Grande,  El   Paso,  Texas:   Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  47,  U. 
S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1895,  J43:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902, 
74;  Santa  Rosalia. 

Northeastern  Mexico,  north  of  the  Rio  Panuco,  and  streams  of 
the  southern  United  States  and  the  Mississippi  Valley. 

Head  3^;  depth  6;  D.  i,  7;  A.  12  to  15.  Body  slender,  depressed 
forward,  the  head  extremely  flat;  lower  jaw  projecting;  snout  3?^  in 
head;  barbels  short,  maxillary  barbels  reaching  slightly  beyond  base 
of  pectoral;  eye  small,  7  in  head;  dorsal  spine  very  weak,  2  in  height 
of  the  fin ;  anal  fin  short,  its  base  6^  in  the  body ;  humeral  process  short ; 
pectoral  spine  strong,  serrate  on  both  edges,  its  length  3  in  head; 
caudal  fin  slightly  emarginate. 

Color  yellowish,  much  mottled  with  brown  and  greenish,  whitish 
below.  Length  3  to  4  feet. 


FAMILY  III.     SILURID^E.  19 

This  species  is  not  recorded  south  of  Santa  Rosalia,  but  may  be 
expected  to  range  as  far  south  as  the  Rio  Panuco.  It  is  one  of  the 
largest  in  the  family,  reaching  a  weight  of  75  pounds,  and  is  a  much- 
used,  excellent  food  fish. 

Subfamily  Pimelodinse. 

Coiiorliynclms  Bleeker. 

Conorhynchus  Bleeker,  Nederl.  Tydschr.  Dierk,  102,  1863.  (Type ,  Pimelodus 
conirostris  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes.) 

Body  elongate,  nearly  rterete  anteriorly,  compressed  posteriorly;  snout 
pointed ;  mouth  narrow;  barrels  6 ;  teeth  in  the  upper  jaw  minute,  the  lower  with 
very  weak  teeth  or  none;  no  teeth  on  palate. 

Conorhynchus  nelson!  Evermann  &  Goldsborough. 

Conorhynchus  nelsoni  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

1902,  140,  fig.  i;  Rio  Usumacinta,  Montecristo,  Chiapas. 
Atlantic  streams  from  Chiapas  to  Brazil. 


FlG.  3.    CONORHYNCHUS  NELSONI  Evermann  &  Goldsborough. 
No.  50001,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 
Large  figure  about  K  natural  size. 
Small  figure,  embryo,  natural  size. 


Head  3^;  depth  5;  D.  i,  6;  A.  17.  Body  elongate,  nearly  terete,  becoming 
somewhat  compressed  posteriorly;  head  conical,  about  as  wide  as  deep;  a  gran- 
ular saddle  over  occipital  region,  extending  anteriorly  to  posterior  portion  of 
eye ;  a  small  granular  saddle  at  base  of  front  of  dorsal ;  fontanelle  long  and  nar- 
row, extending  an  equal  distance  in  front  of  and  behind  eye;  a  narrow  transverse 
bridge  equal  to  diameter  of  pupil  just  back  of  posterior  border  of  eye;  snout 
very  long  and  pointed;  mouth  small,  nearly  circular;  upper  jaw  the  longer; 
barbels  all  very  short;  maxillary  barbel  not  nearly  reaching  eye,  its  length  2  in 
snout ;  other  barbels  shorter ;  no  teeth  on  vomer  and  palatines ;  teeth  on  upper  jaw 
confluent  in  one  broad  patch,  concave  posteriorly;  teeth  in  lower  jaw  very  weak; 
buccal  cavity  very  large;  origin  of  dorsal  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and 
posterior  base  of  anal;  dorsal  spine  z\  in  head,  its  upper  posterior  third  roughly 
serrate;  adipose  fin  large;  pectoral  spine  2^  in  head,  its  posterior  edge  very 
strongly  serrate;  caudal  deeply  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer. 

Color  light  brown  above  lateral  line  with  bluish  reflections,  silvery  below, 
becoming  pale  on  the  belly;  dorsal  pale  dusky;  spine  darker  in  front;  inner  edge 
of  caudal  lobes  black.  (Evermann  &  Goldsborough.) 

The  male  of  this  species  carries  the  eggs  in  his  mouth  during  the  period  of 
gestation,  during  which  time  he  is  unable  to  eat  any  food.  This  peculiar  cus- 
tom, concerning  which  but  little  is  known,  is  practiced  by  some  South  American 
catfishes. 


20  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

8.     Rhamdia   Bleeker. 

Rhamdia  Bleeker, Ichth.  Arch.  Ind.  Siluri.,  1858,  197.  (Type,  Pime- 
lodus  quelen  Quoy  &  Gaimard.) 

Body  more  or  less  elongate;  head  not  especially  widened;  oc- 
cipital process  small  or  wanting,  not  reaching  the  dorsal  plate; 
fontanelle  variously  developed,  not  continued  backward  beyond 
the  eye,  except  in  the  young;  young  usually  with  two  bony  bridges 
across  the  fontanelle,  the  one  behind  the  eye  the  other  in  front  of 
the  occiput ;  in  old  specimens  the  entire  fontanelle  becoming  obliter- 
ated; adipose  fin  very  long,  adnate  for  its  entire  length  to  the  back; 
posterior  nostril  without  a  barbel;  barbels  6. 

Several  species  of  this  genus  are  recorded  from  Mexico,  but  the 
most  of  them  probably  occur  south  of  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec. 
This  group  of  fishes  is  not  well  known. 

.   .  KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  RHAMDIA. 

P  ALrE 

a.     Head  3^  in  length  of  body;  anal  rays  10 oaxacce       20 

aa.  Head  4  to  5  in  length  of  body, 
b.     Head  4  to  4^  m  length  of  body, 
c.     Anal  rays  12,  or  13;  adipose  fin  3^  in  body; 

eye  2^  in  interorbital  area;  head  4^ laticaiida       21 

cc.   Anal  rays  9  or  10. 

e.     Eye  large,  5^3  in  head brachyptera       21 

ee.   Eye  small,  7^  to  8  in  head .- .  .  [wagneri]       2  2 

bb.  Head  5  ;  depth  6;  anal  rays  13    ,: hypselura       22 

16.  Rhamdia  oaxacas  Meek.     BAGRE. 

Rhamdia  oaxaca  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  74;  Cuicatlan. 

Streams  of  Mexico  on  the  Atlantic  side  south  of  Vera  Cruz.  (Otopa ; 
Cordoba;  Rio  Blanco;  Motzorongo;  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez.) 

Head  3^;  depth  5^;  D.  i,  6;  A.  10.  Body  slender,  stout  ante- 
riorly, compressed  posteriorly;  head  large,  flat,  narrowed  forward; 
interorbital  space  3  in  head ;  eye  high  up,  small,  its  diameter  6  %  in  head ; 
occipital  process  4^  in -head;  width  of  mouth  2  in  head;  teeth  in 
jaws  in  bands;  maxillary  barbel  reaching  to  middle  of  base  of  adipose 
fin  (slightly  shorter  in  largest  specimens,  6^  inches  in  length) ;  mental 
barbel  reaching  f  distance  to  base  of  pectoral;  postmental  to  just 
past  base  of  pectoral ;  humeral  spine  extending  to  about  ^3  length  of 
pectoral  fin,  covered  with  a  membrane;  gill  rakers  3  +  7;  origin  of 
dorsal  fin  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  first  anal  ray,  its  margin 
rounded;  origin  of  adipose  fin  at  tips  of  dorsal  rays,  when  fin  is  deflexed 
and  extending  to  opposite  tips  of  depressed  anal  fin ;  origin  of  anal 


FAMILY  III.     SILURID^E.  21 

midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  base  of  next  to  last  dorsal  ray; 
caudal  fin  forked,  its  lower  lobe  broad  and  round,  its  upper  pointed; 
fontanelle  reaching  middle  of  orbit ;  dorsal  fin  slightly  higher  than  long, 
its  base  if  in  head;  dorsal  spine  weak,  flexible,  its  length  \%  in  base 
of  fin;  pectoral  fin  small,  its  spine  strong,  with  small  teeth  on  its 
outer  margin,  the  largest  being  near  its  tip,  the  inner  margin  ser- 
rate, except  the  portion  nearest  tip  opposite  the  large  teeth  on 
outer  margin;  pectoral  spine  2f  in  head;  length  of  adipose  fin  2f  in 
body;  ventrals  inserted  opposite  last  dorsal  ray. 

Color  uniform  dull  brownish,  slightly  lighter  on  the  lower  half  of 
the  body ;  a  narrow  black  lateral  band ;  dorsal  fin  with  a  light  cross- 
band  occupying  the  second  fourth  of  the  fin  from  base ;  no  dark  dots. 

This  species  reaches  a  length  of  about  18  inches.  It  is  very 
abundant  in  the  streams  of  Mexico  south  of  Vera  Cruz. 

17.  Rhamdia  laticauda   (Heckel). 

Pimelodus    laticaudus    Heckel,  in    Kner,  Sitz.  Wien,  Ac.,   xxvi, 

420,  1857;  Mexico:  Giinther,  Cat.,  v,  127,  1864. 
Rhamdia  laticauda  Jordan  &   Evermann.,   Bull.   47,   U.    S.    Nat. 

Mus.,  1896,  152. 

Head  4%',  D.  i,  6;  A.  13.  Body  elongate;  head  covered  with  soft 
skin  above;  occipital  process  short;  lower  jaw  the  shorter;  the  eyes 
situated  somewhat  before  the  middle  of  the  head,  their  diameter  f 
width  of  interorbital ;  pectoral  spine  only  half  as  long  as  rays;  base 
of  adipose  3^  m  body;  caudal  peduncle  nearly  as  deep  as  body; 
caudal  fin  subtruncate.  (Kner.) 

We  know  this  species  only  from  the  abpve  account. 
% 

18.  Rhamdia  brachyptera   (Cope). 

Pimelodus  brachypterus  Cope,  Trans.  Amer.  Phil.  Soc.,  1866,  404; 
Orizaba,  Mexico. 

Rhamdia  brachyptera  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  151. 

Mountain  streams  of  the  south  central  portion  of  Vera  Cruz. 
(Motzorongo.) 

Head  4|;  depth  5;  D.  i,  7;  A.  10.  Body  rather  elongate,  robust 
anteriorly,  compressed  posteriorly;  back  slightly  elevated;  head 
elongate,  rather  narrow,  flattened  with  rather  steep  sides;  snout 
little  broader  than  long,  its  length  aj  in  head;  eye  small,  high  up  on 
head,  directed  outward  and  upward;  diameter  of  eye  5^  in  head; 
width  of  mouth  2l/3;  teeth  small,  sharp,  conic;  interorbital  2%; 
maxillary  barbel  short,  its  tip  reaching  base  of  ventral;  outer  mental 
barbel  extending  to  the  tip  of  the  humeral  process;  fontanelle  extend- 


22  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

ing  from  internasal  space  to  scarcely  beyond  the  posterior  margin  of 
the  eyes;  opercle  with  fine  radiating  striae;  humeral  spine  extending 
for  about  the  first  third  of  its  length  of  the  pectoral  fin,  covered  with 
a  thin  membrane;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  nearly  midway  between  the 
tip  of  the  snout  and  origin  of  anal,  its  margin  rounded;  origin  of 
adipose  fin  near  dorsal  and  extending  to  tips  of  depressed  rays  of 
anal  ;  origin  of  anal  a  little  nearer  base  of  the  caudal  than  the  dorsal  ; 
caudal  fin  deeply  emarginate,  its  lobes  pointed;  pectoral  fin  small, 
reaching  a  little  over  half-way  to  the  base  of  ventrals,  its  com- 
pressed spine  about  two  -thirds  its  length;  ventrals  inserted  below 
the  posterior  base  of  the  dorsal  fin,  reaching  about  Y%  of  its  distance 
to  the  anal. 

Color  uniform  dull  russet  brown;  the  upper  half  a  little  darker 
than  the  lower;  a  pale  shade  on  dorsal.  Length  6J/&  inches. 

The  above  description  was  taken  by  Mr.  Henry  Fowler  from  the 
type  which  is  in  the  Museum  of  the  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Philadelphia. 
This  species  is  known  only  from  this  and  one  other  specimen,  n 
inches  in  length,  collected  by  the  writer  at  Motzorongo. 

Rhamdia  wagneri  (Gimther). 

Pimelodus  wagneri  Gtinther,  Fishes  Cent.  Amer.,  474,  1869;  Atlantic  and 
Pacific  Rivers  of  Panama. 

Rhamdia  wagneri  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  150: 
Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  146;  Teapa 
and  Frontera,  Tabasco. 

Southern  Mexico  to  Panama. 

Head  4  to  4%',  depth  5  to  5X1  D.  i,  6;  A.  9  or  10.  Body  elongate,  tapering 
backward  from  head  and  much  compressed  posteriorly;  head  broad  and  flat, 
slightly  longer  than  wide,  covered  with  soft,  smooth  skin  ;  interorbital  width  2% 
in  head;  eye  small,  high  up  on  the  head,  its  diameter  7^  to  8  in  head;  mouth 
moderate,  jaws  equal;  teeth  in  broad  cardiform  bands  on  each  jaw;  maxillary 
barbel  reaching  adipose  fin;  mental  barbel  reaching  beyond  base  of  pectoral; 
occipital  process  narrow,  reaching  about  half-way  to  dorsal  spine  ;  base  of  adipose 
fin  2  %  to  3  in  body,  reaching  slightly  farther  than  anal;  fontanelle  not  continued 
beyond  the  eye. 

Color  brown,  lighter  below;  many  dots  over  the  body;  a  dark  lateral  band; 
base  of  dorsal  pale.  Length  probably  about  18  inches.  Specimens  described 
are  from  Teapa  and  Frontera. 

This  species  was  taken  at  Teapa  and  Frontera,  Tabasco,  by  Mr.  E.  W. 
Nelson.  So  far  this  is  the  most  northern  record  we  have  of  it.  The  largest 
specimen  collected  by  Mr.  Nelson  is  14%  inches  in  length. 


19.   Rhamdia  hypselura   (Giinther). 

Pimelodus  hypselurus  Gunther,  Cat.,  v,  126,  1864;  Mexico. 
Rhamdia  hypselura  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1895-   i52- 

Head  5;  depth  6;  D.  I,  6;  A.  13.  Body  elongate,  apparently  quite 
slender;  lower  jaw  the  shorter,  the  band  of  teeth  in  the  upper  jaw 
about  five  times  as  broad  as  long;  eyes  near  middle  of  head,  their 
diameter  being  ^  width  of  interorbital  space  ;  head  covered  with  soft 


FAMILY  III.     SILURID^E.  23 

skin;  occipital  process  triangular,  rather  short;  dorsal  fin  with  a 
weak  spine,  the  fin  higher  than  long;  base  of  adipose  fin  4  in  body; 
pectoral  spine  2  in  body;  the  posterior  anal  rays,  if  the  fin  is  deflexed, 
extending  nearly  to  the  vertical  from  the  end  of  the  adipose  fin; 
caudal  peduncle  deeper  than  long;  caudal  fin  forked,  with  both 
lobes  rounded. 

Color  uniform  blackish  (Gunther). 

We  know  this  species  only  from  the  above  account. 


Order  iv.    Plectospondyli. 

THE  CARP-LIKE  FISHES. 

The  anterior  vertebrae  modified  as  in  the  preceding  order;  oper- 
cular  bones  all  present;  maxillary  developed,  not  entering  into  the 
base  of  a  barbel;  body  covered  with  ordinary  scales,  rarely  naked; 
ventral  fins  abdominal. 

KEY  TO  THE  FAMILIES  OF  PLECTOSPONDYLI. 

a.     Braincase  produced  between  the  orbits;  jaws  PAGE 

toothless ;  no  adipose  dorsal  fin ;  lower  pharyn- 
geal  b.ones  falciform. 

b.     Pharyngeal  teeth  numerous,  pectinate;  max- 
illary forming  part  of  the  margin  of  the  upper 

jaw  .  '. C ' atostomidce       24 

bb.  Pharyngeal  teeth  few;  margin  of  the  upper 

jaw  formed  by  the  premaxillaries  only Cyprinidce       36 

aa.  Braincase  not  produced  between  the  orbits; 
jaws  usually  with  teeth;  adipose  fin  usually 
present Characinida  83 

Family  IV.    Catostomidae. 

THE  SUCKERS. 

Body  oblong  or  elongate,  usually  more  or  less  compressed;  head 
more  or  less  conical;  mouth  usually  protractile  and  with  fleshy  lips; 
margin  of  the  upper  jaw  formed  in  the  middle  by  the  small  premaxil- 
laries and  outside  by  the  maxillaries ;  jaws  toothless;  lower  pharyn- 
geal  bones  falciform,  armed  with  a  single  row  of  numerous  comb- 
like  teeth ;  branchiostegals  3 ;  gill  membranes  more  or  less  united  to 
the  isthmus ;  gills  4 ;  pseudobranchiae  present ;  scales  cycloid ;  lateral 
line  usually  present;  ventrals  abdominal;  alimentary  canal  long;  no 
pyloric  cceca;  air  bladder  in  two  or  three  parts.  Fishes  inhabiting 
the  fresh  waters  of  Eastern  Asia  and  North  America.  The  buffalo 
fishes  are  much  used  for  food,  but  the  other  members  of  the  family 
are  of  little  value  for  this  purpose. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  CATOSTOMID^E. 

a.     Dorsal  fin  elongate,  with   25  to   50  rays,  its  PAGE 

first  6  or  8  rays  much  longer  than  the  others Carpiodes       25 

aa.  Dorsal  fin  short,  with  10  to  18  rays. 

24 


FAMILY  IV.     CATOSTOMID^E.  25 

b.     Scales   small,   more   than    55    in  the  lateral  PAGE 

series;  air  bladder  in  two  parts, 
c.     Scales  very  small,  more  than  80  in  the  lateral 
series;  jaws  with  hard  sheathes;  under  lip 
very  broad  and  deeply  incised;  fontanelle 

wanting,  or  very  small  in  the  young Pantosteus       30 

cc.   Scales  moderate,  less  than  80  in  the  lateral 
series;  fontanelle  present  in  the  adult. 

d.     Nuchal  region  without  a  hump Catostomus       31 

dd.  Nuchal  region  developed  in  a  high  sharp- 
edged  hump    Xyrauchen       33 

bb.  Scales  large,  less  than  45  in  the  lateral  series; 

air  bladder  in  3  parts ;  lateral  line  complete ....  Myzostoma       3  4 

Subfamily  Ichthyobinae. 
9.     Carpiocles  Rafmesque. 

Carpiodes  Rafinesque,  Ichth.  Ohiensis,  56, 1820.     (Type,  Catostomus 
.  cyprinus  Le  Sueur.) 

Head  comparatively  short  and  deep,  its  upper  surface  always 
rounded;  mouth  small,  horizontal  and  inferior;  suborbital  bones  well 
developed;  fontanelle  present;  lips  thin  or  moderately  thick,  more  or 
less  plicate;  pharyngeal  bones  very  thin;  teeth  compressed,  nearly 
equally  thin  all  along  the  length  of  the  bone,  forming  a  fine,  comb- 
like  crest  of  minute  serratures;  gill  rakers  slender  and  stiff  above, 
becoming  reduced  downward ;  caudal  peduncle  rather  short  and  deep ; 
scales  large,  about  equal  all  over  the  body;  lateral  line  well  developed, 
nearly  straight;  dorsal  fin  long,  with  23  to  30  rays;  caudal  fin  forked, 
lobes  about  equal.  The  fishes  of  this  group  reach  a  large  size.  They 
inhabit  the  larger  streams  of  the  Mississippi  Valley,  extending  as  far 
south  as  the  Rio  Usumacinta  in  Guatemala. 

KEY  TO  SPECIES  OF  CARPIODES. 

a.     Tips  of  pectoral  fins  reaching  nearly  or  quite  PAGE 

to  base  of  ventrals;  lips  moderate, 
b.     Dorsal  rays  28  or  30;  scales  40  in  the  lateral 
series;    depth   2|;    lower  lip  slightly  thicker 

than  the  upper meridionalis       26 

bb.  Dorsal  rays  24;  scales  36  in  the  lateral  series; 

depth  2f tnmidus       26 

aa.  Tips  of  pectoral  not  nearly  reaching  base  of 
ventral;  distance  from  tip  of  pectoral  to  base 
of  ventral  about  half  the  length  of  pectoral  fin. 


26  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

c.  Lips  thin;  mouth  small;  lower  lip  about  twice  PAGE 

as  thick  as  upper, 
d.     Body  robust,  its  depth  2^  to  3  in  length 

of  body;  head  large,  3$ microstomus       27 

•    dd.  Body  elongate,  its  depth  3)^    to    $%    in 

length  of  body;  head  rather  small,  4^ elongatus       28 

cc.  Lips  very  thick;  mouth  large;  lower  lip 
about  as  thick  as  upper;  lips  strongly  papil- 
lose; body  very  slender,  its  depth  3^ labiosus  29 

20.  Carpiodes  meridionalis  (Giinther). 

Sclerognathus  meridionalis  Giinther,  Cat.,  vn,  23,  1868;  Rio  Usu- 
macinta,  Guatemala. 

Ictiobus  meridionalis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  164. 

Large  rivers  of  Mexico  south  of  the  City  of  Vera  Cruz  and  of  the 
east  slope  of  Guatemala.  (Perez.) 

Head  3^;  depth  2^;  D.  28  to  30;  A.  9;  scales  9-40-6.  Body 
elongate,  compressed,  dorsal  region  elevated;  head  small;  mouth  in- 
ferior; lips  moderately  thick,  papillose,  the  lower  slightly  the  thicker; 
hinder  margin  of  lower  lip  rounded,  the  lobes  not  forming  an  angle; 
snout  short,  blunt,  its  length  4  in  head;  diameter  of  eye  4  in  head; 
opercles  striate ;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and 
base  of  caudal ;  dorsal  fin  falcate,  its  longest  rays  shorter  than  the  head ; 
base  of  dorsal  2%  in  head;  tips  of  pectorals  not  reaching  base  of 
ventrals  by  a  distance  equaling  %  length  of  the  fin;  pectoral  i^  in 
head;  ventral  i^;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2  in  head;  caudal 
fin  forked,  the  lower  lobe  the  broader  and  the  shorter. 

Color  brownish  olive  above,  below  silvery.     Length  2  feet  or  more. 

The  most  southern  range  of  this  species,  so  far  as  known  at  pres- 
ent, is  the  Rio  Usumacinta  in  Guatemala.  This  fish  is  reported  to 
reach  a  weight  of  20  to  30  pounds.  It  was  very  abundant  in  isolated 
ponds  near  Perez.  None  of  the  specimens  taken  by  me  exceeded  a 
length  of  12  to  14  inches. 

21.  Carpiodes  tumidus  Baird  &  Girard.     METALOTE;  BUFFALO. 
Carpiodes  tumidus  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1854,  28;  Rio  Grande,  Ft.  Brown,  Tex.:  Jordan,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Geol.  Sur.,  1878,  404,  666;  Brownsville,  Texas:  Jordan  &  Snyder, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,1900,  119,  lagoons  near  Tampico. 
Ictiobus  tumidus  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  34,  pi.  xix,  figs.  1-4,  1859; 

Rio  Grande,  Ft.  Brown,  Texas. 
Ichthyobus  tumidus  Garman,   Bull.   Mus.  Comp.   Zool.,   1881,   89; 

Rio  Nazas,  San  Pedro,  Coahuila. 


FAMILY  IV.     CATOSTOMID^E.  27 

Carpiodes  velifer,  in  part,  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  167. 

Lowland  streams  from  the  Rio  Panuco  to  the  Rio  Grande.  (Garza 
Valdez;  Forlon.) 

Head  3^4;  depth  2f;  D.  24;  A.  8;  scales  9-36-5.  Body  deep, 
compressed,  back  considerably  arched ;  head  broad,  convex ;  interorbital 
2^"  in  head;  eye  5;  snout  3^;  mouth  moderately  large,  inferior;  lips 
rather  thick,  the  lower  plicate,  each  plication  broken  into  two  or 
three  parts;  upper  lip  papillose,  the  greatest  diameter  of  papillae  at 
right  angles  to  mouth ;  opercles  faintly  striate ;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly 
nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal;  dorsal  fin  falcate,  tips  of  its 
longest  rays  reaching  beyond  middle  of  fin ;  longest  ray  i  y*  in  base  of 
fin,  which  is  2^  in  body;  tips  of  pectorals  reaching  base  of  ventrals; 
length  of  pectoral  i%  in  head,  and  slightly  longer  than  ventrals;  tips 
of  ventrals  reaching  ^3  of  distance  between  its  base  and  origin  of 
anal;  caudal  peduncle  deep,  its  least  depth  nearly  equal  to*  its  length 
and  1 2^  in  length  of  head ;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  two  lobes  about  equal. 

Color  light  plumbeous  above,  lighter  below;  fins  plain,  rather 
darker  in  the  larger  specimens.  Length  probably  18  inches  to  2  feet. 

Longest  specimen  seen  by  me  12^  inches,  taken  at  Forlon.  A 
large,  rather  dark  colored  buffalo  fish  inhabiting  the  larger  rivers  of 
northeastern  Mexico. 

22.  Carpiodes  microstomus  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  3542,  F.  C.  M.,  4^2  inches  in  length;  Santa  Rosalia,  Chi- 
huahua. 

Carpiodes  tumidus  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  74;  Santa 
Rosalia;  Jimenez  (not  Carpiodes  tumidus  Girard). 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Conchos  in  Chihuahua. 


FIG.  4.    CARPIODES  MICROSTOMUS  Meek. 


28 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


Head  3$ ;  depth  2^  to  3;  D.  24  to  26;  A.  8;  scales  7-38  to  41-6. 
Body  robust,  compressed,  back  arched;  head  moderately  large;  lips 
very  thin  papillose,  the  long  diameter  of  papillae  at  right  angles  to 
mouth,  giving  the  lips  a  plicate  appearance;  opercle  strongly  striate; 
lower  lip  slightly  broader  than  upper,  lobes  somewhat  u -shaped; 
interorbital  convex,  2^  in  head;  snout  3^3  in  head;  dorsal  fin  falcate, 
tips  of  longest  rays  when  deflexed  reaching  past  middle  of  its  base; 
longest  rays  i  %  in  its  base ;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout 
than  base  of  caudal ;  distance  between  tip  of  pectoral  and  base  of  ven- 
tral 2  in  length  of  pectoral;  pectoral  if  in  head;  ventral  i>£;  caudal 
peduncle  deep,  its  least  depth  i%  in  its  length;  caudal  fin  forked,  its 
lobes  about  equal. 

Color  light  brownish,  silvery  below;  middle  of  each  scale  silvery, 
forming  indistinct  silvery  lines  along  rows  of  scales;  these  more  con- 
spicuous on  lower  half  of  body.  Length  about  10  inches. 

A  small  species  inhabiting  the  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Grande,  on  the 
Mexican  Plateau. 

23.  Carpiodes  elongatus  sp.  nov.     METALOTE. 

Type,  No.  4425,  F.  C.  M.,  9  inches  in  length;  Linares,  Nuevo 
Leon. 

Rivers  of  northeastern  Mexico  between  the  Rio  Panuco  and  the 
Rio  Grande.  (San  Juan;  Montemorelos ;  Linares;  La  Cruz.) 


FIG.  5.    CARPIODES  ELONGATUS  Meek. 


Head  4  to  4^3 ;  depth  3^  to  3^3 ;  D.  23  to  26;  A.  7;  scales  8-38-5. 
Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed,  back  little  elevated;  head 
small;  interorbital  convex,  its  width  2f  in  head;  diameter  of  eye  3^ 
to  4 ;  snout  3  % ;  mouth  small ;  lips  thin ,  the  lower  about  twice  as  thick 
as  the  upper;  lips  papillose,  the  papillae  with  long  diameter  at  right 
angles  to  the  mouth,  giving  the  lips  a  plicate  appearance;  opercles 


FAMILY  IV.     CATOSTOMID^;.  29 

strongly  striate;  dorsal  fin  falcate,  the  tip  of  first  rays  when  deflexed 
reaching  past  middle  of  the  base  of  fin ;  base  of  dorsal  2  »0  in  body ; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal  by  a  distance 
equal  to  the  length  of  the  snout;  length  of  pectoral  i^  in  head;  dis- 
tance from  tip  of  pectoral  to  base  of  ventral  2  in  length  of  pectoral; 
ventrals  1^3  in  head;  caudal  peduncle  long  and  slender,  its  least 
depth  1^2  in  its  length  (measured  from  last  dorsal  ray) ;  caudal  forked, 
the  lobes  about  equal;  lateral  line  decurved  anteriorly. 

Color  light  brownish  above,  lighter  below,  silvery;  fins  all  plain. 
Length  about  12  inches. 

This  species  is  more  slender  and  has  thicker  lips  than  the  preced- 
ing, which  it  most  resembles. 

24.  Carpiodes  labiosus  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4492,  F.  C.  M.,  T.OI/^  inches  in  length;  Valles,  San 
Luis  Potosi. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Panuco.     (Valles.) 


FIG.  6.    CARPIODES  LABIOSUS  Meek. 

Head  $%;  depth  3! ;  D.  23;  A.  9;  scales  10-43-6.  Body  rather 
elongate,  moderately  compressed;  back  not  much  arched;  head 
rather  small;  mouth  large,  overhung  by  the  rather  blunt  snout;  lips 
very  thick,  papillose,  resembling  those  of  Catostomus;  eye  4  in  head; 
snout  2§;  opercles  not  striate;  dorsal  fin  falcate,  when  deflexed  the 
tips  of  longest  rays  reaching  ^  distance  to  base  of  last  ray ;  origin  of 
dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  tip  of  snout,  slightly 
in  advance  of  ventrals ;  base  of  dorsal  fin  3^  in  length  of  body ;  dis- 
tance from  last  dorsal  ray  to  base  of  caudal  i/^  in  the  base  of  the 
dorsal  fin;  caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  least  depth  i£  in  distance 
from  last  dorsal  ray  to  base  of  caudal;  pectoral  fin  i  ^  in  head,  its  tips 
not  reaching  base  of  ventrals  by  a  distance  equal  to  ^3  of  their  length ; 
ventrals  i£  in  head,  their  tips  not  reaching  origin  of  anal  fin. 


30  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Color  silvery  plumbeous  on  upper  half  of  body,  lower  white ;  middle 
of  each  scale  more  silvery  than  the  margin,  forming  indistinct  silvery 
lateral  stripes  along  the  rows  of  scales. 

This  species  is  easily  distinguished  by  being  more  slender  than  any 
other  member  of  the  genus  and  having  thick  papillose  lips  like  the 
species  of  Catostomus.  One  large  (type)  and  one  small  (il/£  inches) 
specimen  were  taken  at  Valles. 

Subfamily  Catostominee. 

1O.     Pantosteus  Cope. 

MOUNTAIN  SUCKERS. 

Pantosteus  Cope,  Lieut.  Wheeler's  Expl.  W.,  looth  Mer.,  v.,  673, 
1876.     (Type,  Minomus  platyrhynchus  Cope.) 

Body  rather  elongate,  not  much  compressed;  head  rather  small; 
suborbital  bones  narrow;  bones  of  the  head  rather  thick;  the  parietal 
bones  in  the  adult  more  or  less  uniting,  partly  or  wholly  obliterating 
the  fontanelle;  mouth  large,  entirely  inferior;  each  jaw  with  a  devel- 
oped cartilaginous  sheath;  upper  lip  broad,  papillose,  with  a  rather 
broad  free  margin,  and  two  or  more  series  of  tubercles;  lower  lip  largely 
developed,  the  broad  deep  margin  deeply  incised  behind;  pharyngeal 
bones  and  teeth  essentially  as  in  Catostomus;  isthmus  broad;  scales 
small,  80  to  over  too  in  lateral  series;  lateral  line  well  developed,  nearly 
straight;  fins  rather  small;  caudal  short,  emarginate;  air  bladder  in 
two  parts. 

25.  Pantosteus  plebeius  (Baird  &  Girard). 

Catostomus  plebeius  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1854,  28;  Rio  Mimbres,  a  tributary  of  Lago  de  Guzman. 
Minomus  plebeius  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  173; 

Rio  Janos,  tributary  of  Lago  de  Guzman:   Girard,  Mex.  Bd. 

Sur.,38,pl.  xxn,  figs.  1-4,  1858;  Rio  Mimbres. 
Catostomus  guzmaniensis  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856, 

173;  Rio  Janos,  tributary  of  Lago  de  Guzman. 
Acomus  guzmaniensis  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  39,  pi.   xxm,  figs. 

i-io,  1858;  Rio  Janos,  tributary  of  Lago  de  Guzman. 
Catostomus  nebuliferus   Garman,  Bull.  Mus.   Comp.   Zool.,    1881, 

vin,  89;  Rio  Nazas,  Coahuila. 
Pantosteus  plebeius  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1896,  171:  Bean,  Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  1898,  167;  San 

Diego,  Chihuahua:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 

Comm.,  1902,  146;  Rio  Piedras,  Colonia  Garcia  and  Rio  Casas 

Grandes,  Casas  Grandes,  Chihuahua:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub. 

65,  1902,  75;  Colonia  Juarez;  Ahumada;  San  Andres;  Minaca. 


FAMILY  IV.     CATOSTOMID^E.  31 

Streams  and  lakes  on  the  plateau  in  northern  Mexico,  ranging  as  far 
south  as  the  headwaters  of  the  Rio  Mezquital  in  Durango,  and  the 
Rio  Nazas.  (Sauz;  Lerdo;  Santiago  Papasquiaro;  Durango.) 

Head  4^  to  4^3 ;  depth  4^ ;  D.  9  to  1 1 ;  A.  8 ;  scales  14-85  to  100- 
14.  Body  elongate,  rather  stout,  little  compressed;  upper  surface  of 
head  convex,  mouth  inferior;  lips  papillose,  papillae  on  upper  lip  in 
about  six  rows;  free  margin  of  lower  lip  incised,  the  incision  reaching 
about  half-way  to  margin  of  jaw;  interorbital  convex,  its  width  2\  in 
head;  eye  small,  high  up  on  the  head,  its  diameter  about  from  5-6^ 
in  head;  snout  2\  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  nearer  tip  of  snout  than 
base  of  caudal;  dorsal  low,  its  margin  convex,  its  longest  ray  about  if 
in  head;  base  of  dorsal  2^  in  head;  pectorals  moderate,  i1/?,  in  head, 
and  slightly  more  than  the  space  between  their  tips  and  base  of  caudal ; 
ventral  fins  i|  in  head,  their  tips  reaching  half-way  to  base  of  anal; 
caudal  peduncle  somewhat  compressed,  its  least  diameter  2^  in  head; 
caudal  fin  very  short,  emarginate,  its  longest  rays  i^  in  head;  scales 
small,  those  on  anterior  half  of  body  smaller  than  those  on  posterior 
half,  or  on  ventral  surface;  about  50  scales  in  a  series  between  nape 
and  dorsal  fin. 

Color  dark  brown,  the  sides  mottled  with  darker;  in  small  speci- 
mens a  dark  lateral  band;  in  large  males  in  life,  the  side  has  a  bright 
orange  band.  Length  12  to  18  inches. 

This  species  is  easily  recognized  on  account  of  the  small  scales, 
hard  cartilaginous  lips,  and  short  fins,  and  especially  by  the  short 
caudal  fin.  It  is  usually  very  abundant  where  found,  and  seldom  ex- 
ceeds 12  inches  in  length. 

11.     Catostomus  Le  Sueur. 
FINE-SCALED  SUCKERS. 

Catostomus  Le  Sueur,  Jour.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1817,  89.     (Type, 
Cyprinus  catostomus  Forster.) 

Body  elongate,  terete  anteriorly,  not  much  compressed;  mouth 
rather  large,  inferior;  upper  lip  thick,  papillose;  lower  lip  greatly 
developed,  with  broad,  deeply  incised  free  portion;  scales  small,  those 
on  anterior  half  of  the  body  much  reduced  in  size;  pharyngeal  teeth 
compressed  vertically,  rapidly  diminishing  in  size  upward;  lateral  line 
nearly  straight,  well  developed;  air  bladder  in  two  parts;  vertebrae  45 
to  47.  Species  chiefly  North  American. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  CATOSTOMUS. 
a.     Scales  large,  60  to  75  in  the  lateral  series;  not 
more   than  35  in   a  series  between  nape  and 
dorsal  fin. 


32  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

b.     Scales  in  the  lateral  series  65;  30  scales  in  a  PAGE 

series  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin sonorensis  32 

bb.  Scales  in  the  lateral  line  75;  31  scales  in  a 

series  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin bernardini  32 

aa.  Scales  in  the  lateral  line  80;  about  45  scales  in 

a  series  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin conchos  33 

26.  Catostomus  sonorensis  Meek. 

Catostomus  sonorensis  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  75; 
Minaca. 

Upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Yaqui. 

Head  4;  depth  4%;  D.  12;  A.  7;  scales  11-65-10.  Body  robust, 
profile  very  convex;  top  of  head  flattish,  broad;  interorbital  2%  in 
head;  lips  thick,  papillose,  the  papillae  on  upper  lip  in  8  or  9  rows; 
lower  lip  very  broad,  from  anterior  to  posterior  margin  4^  in  head; 
the  two  halves  meeting  at  a  very  obtuse  angle;  dorsal  fin  as  high  as 
long,  its  base  i|  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly  nearer  base  of 
caudal  fin  than  tip  of  snout ;  margin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly  convex ;  base 
of  ventrals  under  middle  rays  of  dorsal  fin;  pectoral  fin  if  in  head; 
distance  from  tip  of  pectoral  to  base  of  ventral  i£  in  pectoral  fin; 
ventrals  if  in  head,  their  tips  nearly  reaching  anal  fin;  lateral  line 
slightly  decurved  anteriorly;  no  fontanelle;  caudal  fin  deeply  emar- 
ginate;  lobes  equal;  scales  on  anterior  half  of  body  much  reduced. 

Color  steel  blue  to  brownish,  white  below;  young  specimens  have 
the  dark  lateral  blotches.  Length  about  12  inches. 

27.  Catostomus  bernardini  Girard. 

Catostomus  bernardini  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856, 
175;  San  Bernardino  Creek,  tributary  of  Rio  Huagui,  west  of 
Sierra  Madre  Mts., Mexico:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  40,  xxin,  figs. 
1-5, 1858;  San  Bernardino  Creek:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  178:  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1896, 
258;  Rio  Yaqui,  Sonora:  Bean,  Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist., 
1898,  166,  Sonora. 
Pacific  slope  streams  in  Sonora. 

Head  \l/t ;  depth  about  4^ I  D.  1 2 ;  A.  7  ;  scales  75.  Body  elongate, 
rather  slender;  head  small;  lips  broad,  the  lower  deeply  incised;  eye 
large,  4  in  head ;  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than 
base  of  caudal ;  margin  of  dorsal  fin  subconvex ;  base  of  dorsal  a  little 
less  than  length  of  longest  ray;  pectorals  about  \\  in  the  head;  scales 
on  anterior  half  of  the  body  much  reduced  in  size,  31  in  a  series  be- 
tween nape  and  first  dorsal  ray;  fontanelle  large. 

Color  uniform,  purplish  black  and  yellowish  white  beneath.  This 
species  probably  reaches  a  length  of  1 2  inches. 


FAMILY  IV.     CATOSTOMID^E.  33 

28.  Catostomus  conchos  Meek. 

Catostomus  conchos  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  75 ;  Jimenez. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Conchos,  in  Chihuahua. 

Head  4^;  depth  4%;  D.  9;  A.  7;  scales  13-80-13.  Body  robust, 
terete,  not  much  compressed,  except  posterior  third;  profile  convex; 
head  broad;  interorbital  area  convex,  its  width  2%  in  head;  lips  thick, 
papillose,  the  papillae  on  the  upper  lip  in  about  9  rows;  lower  lip  broad, 
4^  in  head  from  anterior  to  posterior  margin ;  lower  lip  deeply  incised, 
its  lobes  meeting  at  a  very  obtuse  angle;  dorsal  fin  as  high  as  long, 
its  base  i.K  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base 
of  caudal  by  a  distance  equaling  ^3  head ;  margin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly 
convex ;  base  of  ventrals  under  seventh  dorsal  ray ;  pectoral  fin  i  X  in 
head;  distance  from  tip  of  pectoral  to  base  of  ventral  2  in  pectoral  fin; 
ventral  fins  if  in  head,  their  tips  not  reaching  anal;  lateral  line  slight- 
ly decurved  anteriorly;  no  fontanelle;  caudal  fin  not  deeply  emarginate 
the  lobes  about  equal. 

Color  light  steel  blue  on  back,  shading  into  dark  olive;  sides 
lighter  below,  especially  on  posterior  half  of  body  where  the  line  be- 
tween the  light  and  dark  color  is  very  marked ;  on  anterior  half  of  the 
body  the  colors  gradually  merge  into  one  another;  young  with  the 
black  lateral  blotches.  Length  1 2  inches  or  more. 

At  present  this  species  is  known  only  from  the  type  locality. 

12.     Xyraucheii  Eigenmann  &  Kirsch. 
RAZOR-BACK  SUCKERS. 

'Xyrauchen  Eigenmann  &  Kirsch,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1888, 
556.  (Type,  Catostomus  cypho  Lockington.) 

Body  rather  elongate,  compressed;  nuchal  region  with  a  large 
sharp-edged  hump,  formed  by  a  singular  development  of  the  inter- 
neural  bones,  otherwise  as  in  Catostomus. 

29.  Xyrauchen  cypho  (Lockington).     RAZOR-BACK  SUCKER. 

'    Catostomus  cypho  Lockington,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1880, 
237 ;    Colorado  River  at  mouth  of  the  Gila,  Arizona:  Gilbert  & 
Scofield,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  491;  Colorado  River  at 
Yuma,  and  Horseshoe  Bend. 
Basin  of  the  Colorado  River. 

Head  4;  depth  4;  D.  13  or  14;  A.  7;  scales  14-72  to  77-13.  Body 
stout,  compressed;  the  head  small,  low,  the  profile  ascending  to  the 
prominent  nuchal  hump,  which  is  largest  in  adults;  anterior  edge  of 
hump  straight,  sharp,  and  without  scales;  mouth  wide,  inferior;  upper 
lip  with  two  rows  of  papillae;  lower  lip  deeply  divided,  with  8  rows; 


34  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

dorsal  fin  low,  long,  with  concave  edge;  caudal  fin  broad  and  strong, 
with  numerous  rudimentary  rays;  pectorals  moderate. 

Color  plain,  olivaceous.     Length  2  feet  or  more. 

A  very  peculiar  Sucker,  known  only  from  the  basin  of  the  Colorado 
River.  It  reaches  a  weight  of  8  to  10  pounds. 

13.     Myzostoma  Rafinesque. 
RED-HORSE  SUCKERS. 

Moxostoma  Rafinesque,  Ichth.  Ohiensis,  54,  1820.  (Type,  Catos- 
tomus  anisurus  Rafinesque.) 

Body  more  or  less  elongate,  nearly  terete-  usually  more  or  less 
compressed  posteriorly;  suborbital  bones  very  narrow;  fontanelle 
present;  mouth  inferior;  lips  plicate,  the  lower  not  deeply  incised; 
jaws  without  cartilaginous  sheath;  opercular  bones  moderately  devel- 
oped, nearly  smooth;  isthmus  broad;  gill  rakers  weak,  rather  long; 
pharyngeal  bones  rather  weak;  teeth  compressed,  the  lower  5  or  6 
stronger  than  the  others,  which  rapidly  diminish  in  size  upward,  each 
with  a  prominent  internal  cusp.  Scales  large,  nearly  equal  in  size 
over  the  body  and  not  especially  crowded  anywhere;  lateral  line  de- 
veloped, slightly  curved  anteriorly,  fins  all  developed;  caudal  forked; 
anal  fin  short  and  high;  air  bladder  with  three  chambers.  A  group  of 
large-scaled  suckers  chiefly  inhabiting  the  streams  of  United  States 
east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  MYZOSTOMA. 

a.     Distance  from  tips  of  pectorals  to  base  of  ven-  PAGE 

trals  sX  m  the  length  of  the  pectoral  fin. congestum  34 

aa.  Distance  from  tips  of  pectorals  to  base  of  ven- 

trals  2^  in  length  of  pectoral austrinum  35 

30.  Myzostoma  congestum   (Baird  &  Girard).     LISA. 

Catostomus  congestus  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1854,   27;  Rio  Salada,  Texas. 
Ptychostomus  albidus  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856, 

172;  Rio  San  Juan,  Monterey,  Nuevo  Leon;  near  Monterey. 
Moxostoma  congestum  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894, 
56;   Rio   Grande,  El  Paso,  Texas:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  192:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65, 
1902,  76;  Santa  Rosalia. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Soto  la  Marina  north  to  the  Rio  Grande  and  west 
to  the  upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Conchos  in  Chihuahua.  (San 
Juan;  Montemorelos ;  Linares;  Garza  Valdez;  Victoria.) 


FAMILY  IV.     CATOSTOMID.E.  35 

Head  4f;  depth  4;  D.  n;  A.  7;  scales  7-45-5.  Body  elongate, 
terete;  head  large;  interorbital  area  flat,  its  width  2  in  the  length  of 
the  head;  eye  4^;  snout  2>£;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip 
of  snout  and  tip  of  last  anal  ray;  about  16  scales  in  a  series  before 
dorsal  fin;  margin  of  dorsal-  fin  slightly  concave,  the  length  of  its  first 
rays  i  %  in  head ,  its  base  i  % ',  shortest  dorsal  ray  2  X !  caudal  fin  forked , 
its  lower  lobe  slightly  the  larger;  longest  caudal  ray  1%  in  head; 
length  of  pectorals  equals  the  length  of  the  head ;  distance  from  tip  of 
pectorals  to  base  of  ventrals  5^  in  length  of  pectoral;  ventrals  if 
in  head,  their  tips  reaching  ^  distance  to  anal  fin;  least  depth  of 
caudal  peduncle  2^  m  head. 

Color  light  olivaceous  above,  lighter  below;  middle  of  each  scale 
silvery,  forming  faint  longitudinal  stripes  along  rows  of  scales;  dorsal 
membranes  blackish;  other  fins  plain.  Length  12  to  14  inches. 

This  species  has  not  been  taken  in  the  Rio  Nazas  or  in  other  iso- 
lated bodies  of  water  in  northern  Mexico. 

31.  riyzostoma  austrinum  Bean. 

Myxostoma  austrina  Bean,  Proc.  U.S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  302;   La 

Piedad  in  Morelia,  Michoacan. 

Moxostoma  austrinum  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894, 
61;  Rio  Lerma,  Salamanca,  Guanajuato:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1876,  192:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull. 
U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  1900,  120;  Rio  Verde,  Aguas  Calientes; 
Rio  Santiago,  Ataquiza,  Jalisco:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65, 
1902,  76;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma  and  headwaters  of  the  Rio  Mezquital. 
(Durango.) 

Head  4^  to  4$;  depth  4;  D.  n  ;  A.  6;  scales  7-44  to  48-6.  Body 
rather  stout;  head  rather  small;  interorbital  area  2%  in  head;  eye  4^2 
to  6 ;  snout  2  % ',  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and 
base  of  last  anal  ray;  16  scales  in  series  before  dorsal  fin;  margin  of 
dorsal  fin  slightly  concave,  its  longest  ray  i£  in  head;  base  of  dorsal 
1 1  in  head;  shortest  dorsal  ray  2>£  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  lobes 
about  equal ;  the  length  of  the  pectorals  equals  the  length  of  the  head ; 
distance  from  tip  of  pectoral  to  base  of  ventrals  2^  in  length  of  pec- 
toral; ventrals  if  in  head,  their  tips  reaching  %  distance  to  vent; 
least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2^\  in  head. 

Color  light  brown  above,  lower  parts  yellowish  white;  dorsal  mem- 
brane blackish,  other  fins  plain..  Length  about  15  inches. 


36  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Family  V.     Cypriiiiclse. 

THE  MINNOWS. 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  mouth  large  or  small,  ter- 
minal or  subinferior;  margin  of  the  upper  jaw  formed  by  the  premaxil- 
laries;  no  teeth  in  the  jaws;  pharyngeal  bones  well  developed,  falci- 
form, and  nearly  parallel  with  the  gill  a,rches,  each  provided  with  i  to 
3  rows  of  teeth,  usually  4  to  7  in  the  main  row;  fewer  in  the  other  rows 
if  present ;  barbels  usually  none,  never  more  than  2  to  4 ;  belly  rounded, 
rarely  compressed  to  an  edge,  and  never  serrate;  gill  membranes 
broadly  joined  to  the  isthmus;  branchiostegals  always  3;  gills  4; 
pseudobranchiae  usually  present;  ventral  fins  abdominal;  air  bladder 
large,  usually  in  two  lobes;  stomach  without  appendages. 

This  family  comprises  many  small  fresh -water  fishes.  A  few  of 
our  western  forms  reach  a  large  size.  On  this  continent  the  south- 
ernmost limit  of  this  family  is  in  the  Balsas  basin  in  southern  Mexico. 

This  large  group  of  small  fishes  which  so  much  resemble  each  other 
in  form,  size  and  coloration  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  in  which  to  dis- 
tinguish genera  and  species.  Before  one  can  make  much  progress  in 
the  study  of  these  species,  careful  attention  must  be  given  to  the 
teeth,  as  the  genera  are  based  largely  on  dental  characters.  The  teeth 
are  confined  to  the  pharyngeal  bones  which  are  just  back  of  the  gill 
openings  on  either  side  of  the  oesophagus.  In  American  species  the 
teeth  on  each  pharyngeal  bone  are  in  one  large  row  of  4  or  5,  in  front 
of  which  is  usually  a  smaller  row  of  one  or  two  teeth.  The  pharyn- 
geal bones  must  be  removed  with  great  care  to  avoid  breaking  the 
teeth  from  them.  It  is  best  to  clean  the  teeth  by  tearing  away  the 
flesh  with  a  needle  or  other  sharp-pointed  instrument,  after  which 
they  are  easily  examined  with  a  hand  lens.  The  herbivorous  species 
have  teeth  usually  not  hooked  and  with  a  flat  or  concave  surface. 
In  the  carnivorous  species  they  usually  have  a  sharp  cutting  or  a  ser- 
rated edge  and  hooked  tips.  Their  number  is  indicated  by  a  dental 
formula.  Thus  "teeth  4-4,"  indicates  that  only  the  principal  row  is 
present.  "Teeth  2,  4-5,  2,"  indicates  the  principal  row  on  one  side 
contains  four  teeth,  the  other  five,  while  the  lesser  row  on  each  side 
contains  two  each,  and  so  on. 

During  the  breeding  season  the  males  are  more  or  less  covered  with 
tubercles,  outgrowths  of  the  epidermis.  Usually  these  are,  confined 
to  the  head,  but  often  are  found  over  the  entire  body.  The  lower 
parts  of  the  body  and  the  fins  are  often  highly  colored ;  the  prevailing 
color  being  red,  although  in  some  genera  it  is  satin  white,  yellow,  or 
black.  In  some  cases  the  males  are  deeper  than  the  females.  Young 
examples  are  always  difficult  to  identify;  these  are  usually  more 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID/E.  37 

slender  and  have  a  larger  eye  than  the  adults.  Often  the  young  have 
a  lateral  band  and  a  dark  caudal  spot  which  the  adults  do  not  possess. 
In  the  following  descriptions  the  rudimentary  rays  of  the  dorsal  and 
anal  fins  are  not  counted.  Besides  the  native  species  here  mentioned, 
two  other  species*  from  Europe  and  Asia  have  been  introduced  into 
some  of  the  streams  and  lakes  of  Mexico,  where  they  have  become  quite 
abundant,  especially  so  in  the  Rio  Lerma  and  the  lakes  in  the  Valley 
of  Mexico.  Both  of  these  species  are  offered  for  sale  in  the  markets 
in  the  City  of  Mexico.  They  are  easily  distinguished  from  the  native 
fresh-water  fishes  by  the  long  dorsal  fin  which  is  preceded  by  a  serrated 
spine. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  CYPRINID^E. 

a.     Dorsal  fin  short,  without  developed  spine.  PAGE 

b.  Air  bladder  surrounded  by  many  convolutions 
of  the  long  alimentary  canal;  pharyngeal 
teeth  4-4,  or  i,  4-4,  o,  with  oblique  grinding 
surface,  the  tips  slightly  hooked;  peritoneum 
black Campostoma  40 

*Dorsal  fin  elongate,  its  rays  18  or  more;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  each  preceded 
by  a  serrated  spine;  teeth  molar.  PAGE 

a.     Barbels  4 ;  teeth  i ,  .1 ,  3—3 ,  i ,  i Cyprinus       3  7 

aa.  Barbels  none ;  teeth  4-4 Carassius       3 7 

Genus  Cyprinus  (Artedi)  L. 

Body  deep,  robust;  mouth  moderate,  terminal,  with  4  long  barbels;  snout 
blunt,  rounded;  pharyngeal  teeth  i,  i,  3-3,  i,  i,  molar-like;  dorsal  fin  very 
long,  with  a  stout  spine,  serrate  beMnd;  lateral  line  complete;  scales  large. 
Large  fishes  of  the  fresh  waters  of  Asia. 

Cyprinus  carpio  Linnaeus'.     CARP;  CARPA. 

Dorsal  in,  20;  A.  in,  5;  scales  5-38-5.  Body  stout,  more  or  less  com- 
pressed, heavy  anteriorly;  color  silvery.  Length  3  feet. 

This  species  was  introduced  into  Europe  and  America  from  Asia.  The  carp 
is  normally  covered  with  large  scales;  in  domestication  several  varieties  have 
arisen,  the  prominent  ones  being  the  "  Leather  Carp,"  having  no  scales,  and  the 
"Mirror  Carp,"  with  a  few  series  of  very  large  scales. 

Genus  Carassius  Nilsson. 

Body  oblong,  compressed  and  elevated;  mouth  terminal,  without  barbels; 
teeth  4-4,  molar- like,  but  compressed;  dorsal  fin  very  long,  with  a  stout  spine 
which  is  serrate  behind;  anal  short  with  a  similar  spine;  ventrals  well  forward. 
Large  fishes  of  the  fresh  waters  of  Asia. 

Carassius  auratus   (Linnaeus).     GOLD-FISH. 

Dorsal  n,  18;  A.  n,  7;  scales  26;  teeth  4-4.  Body  rather  robust,  much 
compressed;  lateral  line  complete. 

Color  olivaceous,  orange,  or  variegated  in  domestication.  Length  about 
1 8  inches. 

The  streams  of  China  and  Japan  are  the  native  homes  of  this  species.  Owing 
to  its  bright  coloration  it  has  been  introduced  everywhere  as  an  aquarium  fish, 
where  it  has  taken  on  numerous  and  strange  variations.  In  the  lakes  in  the 
Valley  of  Mexico  it  has  become  quite  an  important  food  fish. 


38  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

bb.  Air  bladder  not  surrounded  by  alimentary  PAGE 

canal. 

c.  Intestinal  canal  elongate,  usually  more 
than  twice  the  length  of  the  body,  and  with 
several  convolutions;  peritoneum  usually 
black. 

d.     Scales  small,  more  than  55  in  the  lateral 
series ;  lateral  line  complete. 

e.  Gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  more  than 

60  on  the  first  gill  arch Xystrosus       43 

ee.   Gill    rakers    short,  less    than   60  on  the 

first  gill  arch Algansea       44 

dd.  Scales  large,  35  to  45  in  the  lateral  series. 

f.  First    (rudimentary)    ray    of    dorsal    fin 
slender,  and   attached   firmly  to  the  first 

developed  ray Hybognathus       48 

ff.    First  (rudimentary)  ray  of  dorsal  fin  blunt, 
enlarged  and  connected  to  first  dorsal  ray 

by  a  membrane  Pimelocephales       50 

cc.  Intestinal     canal     short,     less     than  twice 
length  of  the  body,  and  with  usually  one 
convolution;  peritoneum  usually  pale, 
g.     Teeth  in  the  main  row  5-5  or  4-5  (3-3    in 
Stypodori) ;  usually   2   teeth  in  the  lesser 
row. 

h.  Abdomen  behind  ventral  fins  transversely 
rounded,  the  scales  passing  over  it,  the 
edge  not  forming  a  scaleless  ridge;  base 
of  anal  fin  generally  short;  body  little 
compressed;  lateral  line  but  slightly  be- 
low axis  of  the  body. 

i.  Teeth  subconical,  scarcely  hooked,  sharp 
edged,  wide  apart;  the  long  limb  of  the 
pharyngeal  bone  elongate ;  body  elongate ; 
mouth  large. 

j.    Teeth  3-3,  scales  35 Stypodon       51 

jj.   Teeth  2,  4-5,  2 ;  scales  80  to  90 Ptychocheilus       52 

ii.  Teeth  compressed,  strongly  hooked;  the 

pharyngeal  bones  of  the  usual  form, 
k.     Caudal  peduncle  slender  and  elongate; 
the   caudal   fin  forked,  its  basal  rudi- 
ments   much    developed;   scales    very 
small,  83  to  87  in  lateral  series;  head 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^E.  39 

depressed  in  the  adult;  anal  rays  9  or  PAGE 

10 Gila       53 

kk.  Caudal  peduncle  stout,  basal  rudiments 
but  little  developed ;  scales  60  to  75 ; 

anal  rays  8 •„ Leuciscus       5  5 

hh.  Abdomen  behind  ventral  fins  compressed 
to  a  sharp  edge  over  which  the  scales  do 
not  pass;  abdomen  in  front  of  ventrals 
rounded;  anal  basis  elongate,  its  ray  12 
to  14;  dorsal  fin  posterior;  teeth  5-5; 
body  much  compressed;  the  lateral  line 

much  below   axis  of  body Abramis       56 

jg. '  Teeth  in  the  main  row  4-4,  usually  absent 
in  the  lesser  row,  rarely  one  or  two  being 
present. 

1.   Maxillary    without    barbels, 
m.     Scales  large,   30  to   60  in'  the    lateral 

series. 

n.  Jaws  each  with  a  hardened  sheath; 
the  first  dorsal  ray  spine-like,  con- 
nected by  a  membrane  to  the  first 

developed  ray;  teeth  4-4 Cochlognathus       57 

nn.  Jaws    without     bony     sheath,    being 

normally  formed. 

o.  Lower  jaw  with  the  lip  thin,  not  de- 
veloped as  a  fleshy  lobe  on  each  side 
at  base. 

p.  Fins  high;  longest  dorsal  ray  as  long 
as  head;  tips  of  pectorals  reaching 
middle  of  base  of  ventrals;  scales  50 
in  the  lateral  series ;  teeth  4-4 ;  origin 
of  dorsal  much  nearer  snout  than 

base  of  caudal Falcula       58 

pp.  Fins  moderate;  longest  dorsal  ray 
less  than  the  length  of  the  head ;  tips 
of  pectorals  not  reaching  base  of  ven- 
trals; origin  of  dorsal  fin  about  in 
middle  of  body. 

•q.  Scales  small,  47  to  60  in  the  lateral 
series;  body  robust;  teeth  4—4; 
about  23  to  30  scales  in  a  series 
between  dorsal  fin  and  nape Aztecula  59 


40  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

qq.  Scales  larger,  30  to  45  in  the  lateral  PAGE 

series ;  less  than  20  scales  between 
nape  and  dorsal  fin;  teeth  4-4  in 
the  main  row,  occasionally  one  or 

two  in  smaller  row Nototropis       62 

oo.  Lower  jaw  with  the  lip  developed  as 
a  fleshy  lobe  on  each  side ;  teeth  4-4 ; 

scales  43  to  45 Phenacobius       76 

mm.  Scales  small,  80  to  100  in  the  lateral 
series ;  body  long  and  slender,  subterete ; 
mouth  small,  the  upper  jaw  little  pro- 
tractile ;  teeth  4-4 Evarra  7  7 

11.  Maxillary  with  a  small  barbel  at  or  near  its 

extremity. 

r.     Premaxillaries  not  protractile,  the  frenum 
very  broad;  teeth  2,  4-4,  2  or  i ;  scales 

small,  60  in  the  lateral  series Rhinichthys       79 

rr.   Premaxillaries  protractile,  rarely  joined 

to  the  forehead  by  a  narrow  frenum. 
s.     Scales    very    small,  60   to    90    in  the 
lateral  series;  lateral  line  often  incom- 
plete; dorsal  fin  posterior Agosia       79 

ss.  Scales  large,  35  to  55  in  the  lateral 
series ;  dorsal  median ;  lateral  line  com- 
plete. 

t.     Teeth  4-4,  or  1,4-4,  i  or  o;   the  lesser 
row  with  never  more  than  one ;  scales 

35  to  45   Hybopsis       80 

tt.   Teeth    2,    4-4,    2    or    i ;    scales   more 

than  50  in  the  lateral  series Couesius;       82 

aa.  Dorsal  fin  short,  posterior,  with  a  strong  spine; 
body  without  scales;  teeth  2,  4-4,  2;  maxillary 
with  a  barbel Plagoplerus  83 

Subfamily  Campostomatinae. 
14.     Campostoma  Agassiz. 

Campostoma  Agassiz,  Amer.  Jour.  Sci.  Arts,  1855,  218.  (Type,  Ru- 
tilus  anomalus  Rafmesque.) 

Body  moderately  elongate,  little  compressed;  mouth  rather  small, 
the  jaws  with  thick  lips  and  the  rudiment  of  a  hard  sheath;  premaxil- 
laries  protractile;  no  barbel;  pharyngeal  teeth  4-4,  or  i,  4-4,  o,  with 
oblique  grinding  surface,  and  a  slight  hook  on  one  or  two  teeth;  air 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^E.  41 

bladder  suspended  in  the  abdominal  cavity,  and  entirely  surrounded 
by  many  convolutions  of  the  long  alimentary  canal,  which  is  6  to  9 
times  the  length  of  the  body;  ovaries  similarly  inclosed  by  the  ali- 
mentary canal ;  peritoneum  black ;  pseudobranchiae  present ;  lateral  line 
present ;  anal  fin  short ;  dorsal  nearly  over  ventrals. 

The  surrounding  of  the  air  bladder  by  many  convolutions  of  the 
alimentary  canal  is  peculiar  to  this  group  of  fishes.  During  the  breed- 
ing season,  which  occurs  in  the  spring,  the  males  are  covered  with 
large  tubercles,  those  on  the  head  being  the  largest. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  CAMPOSTOMA.  pAGE 

a.  Scales  small,  about  70  to  75  in  the  lateral  series.  .  .  .ornatum  41 
aa.  Scales  larger,  about  40  to  55  in  the  lateral  series. 

b.     Scales  in  the  lateral  series,  about  53 anomalum  42 

bb.  Scales  in  the  lateral  series,  about  46 formosuJum  42 

32.  Campostoma  ornatum  Girard. 

Campostoma  ornatum  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856, 
176;  Rio  Chihuahua,  Mexico:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  4,  pi.  xiv, 
figs.  1-4,  1858;  Rio  Chihuahua,  Mexico:  Giinther,  Cat.,  vn, 
183,  1868:  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  57;  Rio 
Chihuahua,  Chihuahua:  Woolman,  Ibid.,  1894,  61;  Rio  Lerma, 
Salamanca,  Guanajuato  (there  is  some  mistake  in  regard 
to  this  reference,  for  it  is  quite  evident  that  this  species  does 
not  occur  in  the  Lerma  Basin):  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 
47,  TJ.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  205:  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci., 
1896,  259;  Rucker  Canon,  trib.  Rio  Yaqui,  Chiricahua  Mts., 
Arizona:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1902,  146;  Colonia  Garcia,  Chihuahua:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus. 
Pub.  65,  1902,  77;  Colonia  Juarez;  Chihuahua;  San  Andres; 
Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez. 

Campostoma  pricei  Jordan  &  Thoburn,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  205;  Rucker  Canon,  tributary  of  Rio  Yaqui,  Chiricahua 
Mts.,  southern  Arizona. 

Rivers  of  northern  Mexico  in  the  headwaters  of  the  Atlantic  and 
Pacific  coast  streams,  its  southern  range  being  the  headwaters  of  the 
Rio  Nazas.  (Santiago  Papasquiaro.) 

.  Head  3^  to  3^;  depth  4  to  4>£;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  10-72  to  75-9. 
Body  rather  stout,  not  much  compressed;  head  rather  large,  the  snout 
projecting  and  somewhat  acute;  mouth  small,  the  maxillary  not 
reaching  to  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  orbit ;  length  of  snout  2  2/z 
in  head;  diameter  of  eye  4^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  be- 
tween base  of  caudal  and  anterior  margin  of  eye;  35  to  40  scales  in  a 


42  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

series  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin;  longest  dorsal  ray  if  in  head; 
pectoral  i%  in  head;  ventrals  i|  in  head;  caudal  forked;  lateral  line 
nearly  complete,  usually  absent  on  about  last  10  scales;  males  in  the 
spring  with  large  tubercles  on  head  and  body. 

Color  brownish  with  a  brassy  luster  above ;  the  scales  more  or  less 
mottled  with  dark;  sides  much  and  irregularly  mottled  with  darker; 
small  specimens  with  a  fairly  well  developed  lateral  band,  and  an  in- 
distinct caudal  spot ;  a  broad  black  band  across  the  base  of  the  dorsal 
fin;  all  other  fins  plain.  Length  about  4^  inches. 

Ovaries  in  females,  taken  the  latter  part  of  May,  not  enough 
developed  to  give  a  definite  idea  as  to  the  time  of  spawning.  One 
specimen  taken  at  Santiago  Papasquiaro. 

33.  Campostoma  anomalum   (Rafinesque).     STONE-ROLLER. 
Rutilus  anomalus   Rafinesque,  Ichth.  Ohiensis,  52,  1820;  Licking 

River,  Kentucky. 

Campostoma  nasutum  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856, 
176;  Cadereita  and  Acapulco,  Nuevo  Leon. 

Campostoma  dubium  Gunther,  Cat.,  vn,  183,  1868. 

Campostoma  anomalum  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  205. 

Rivers  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  south  to  the  Rio  San  Juan  in 
northeastern  Mexico.  (San  Juan;  Montemorelos.) 

Head  4  to  4^;  depth  4f ;  D.  8;  A.  7  or  8;  scales  7-53-8.  Body 
stoutish,  moderately  compressed,  the  antedorsal  region  becoming 
swollen  and  prominent  in  large  specimens;  head  moderate;  the  snout 
moderately  decurved  and  pointed,  its  length  2%  in  head;  diameter 
of  eye  4^  in  head;  maxillary  not  reaching  vertical  from  anterior 
margin  of  orbit;  22  to  25  scales  in  a  series  between  nape  and  dorsal 
fin;  longest  dorsal  ray  \y2  in  head;  length  of  pectoral  1^3  in  head; 
ventral  if  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked;  lateral  line  complete;  males 
in  the  spring  with  tubercles  on  snout  and  body. 

Color  brownish,  much  mottled  with  darker;  a  broad  black  band 
across  the  base  of  the  dorsal  fin;,  other  fins  plain;  small  specimens 
have  a  well-defined  lateral  band  and  a  small  black  caudal  spot. 
Length  6  to  8  inches. 

34.  Campostoma  formosulum  Girard. 

Campostoma  jotmosulum  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
1856,  176;  Rio  Sabinal,  near  San  Antonio,  Texas:  Jordan, 
Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Sur.,  1878,  401;  Rio  Grande,  Brownsville, 
Texas:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896, 
206. 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID.E.  43 

Rio  Grande  to  the  Rio  Sabinal  in  Texas. 

Head  4;  depth  4^;  D.  8;  A.  7 ;  scales  46.  Head  short  and  blunt, 
with  broad,  projecting  snout. 

Color  grayish  above,  whitish  below;  sides  more  or  less  marmorate; 
a  black  patch  at  base  of  caudal  fin  and  one  on  the  dorsal. 

A  little-known  species. 

Subfamily  Chondrostomatinse. 

15.     Xystrosus  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

EL  POPOCHE. 

Xystrosus  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Com.,  1889,  123. 
(Type,  Xystrosus  popoche  Jordan  &  Snyder.) 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  interorbital  space  low  and  flat; 
mouth  terminal,  very  oblique,  jaws  about  equal;  premaxillary  pro- 
tractile; no  barbels;  no  pseudobranchiae ;  gill  rakers  very  long  and 
slender,  about  66  on  first  gill  arch;  teeth  4-4,  hooked,  with  developed 
grinding  surface;  alimentary  canal  about  twice  as  long  as  body, 
peritoneum  dusky. 

35.  Xystrosus  popoche  Jordan  &  Snyder.     POPOCHE. 

Xystrosus  popoche  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900, 
123;  Lago  de  Chapala,  Ocotlan,  Jalisco:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1902,  3142;  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus. 
Pub.  65,  1902,  85;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FlG.  7.    XYSTROSUS  POPOCHE  Jordan  &  Snyder. 
No.  61^1,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  3%;  depth  4^;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  15-61-7.  Body  rather 
robust,  compressed;  head  large,  flattish  above,  interorbital  width 
2\  in  head;  snout  pointed,  4  in  head;  mouth  large,  very  oblique, 
end  of  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  orbit; 
diameter  of  eye  4  to  4^  m  head;  origin  of  dorsal  midway  between 


44  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal;  base  of  dorsal  2f  in  head;  longest 
dorsal  ray  i$  in  head;  pectoral  i>£  in  head;  ventral  i£  in  head; 
caudal  fin  rather  short,  forked;  caudal  peduncle  robust,  its  least 
depth  2l/s  in  head;  lateral  line  decurved  anteriorly,  complete;  gill 
rakers  long,  longest  about  y$  diameter  of  eye,  about  66  on  first  gill 
arch;  alimentary  canal  elongate,  with  about  5  convolutions;  peri- 
toneum black. 

Color  light  brownish,  lighter  below;  no  distinct  lateral  band;  on 
smaller  specimens  (less  than  4  inches)  a  dark  caudal  spot;  fins  all 
plain.  Length  about  12  inches. 

This  species  is  so  far  known  only  from  Lago  de  Chapala,  where 
it  is  quite  abundant  and  is  much  used  for  food.  Ovaries  of  females 
taken  the  last  week  of  May  are  quite  mature.  The  spawning  season 
is  probably  in  June. 

16.     Algaiisea  Girard. 

Algansea  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  182.  (Type, 
Leuciscus  tincella  Cuv.  &  Yal.) 

Body  robust,  not  much  compressed;  mouth  moderate,  terminal, 
oblique;  no  barbels;  caudal  peduncle  strong;  fins  very  small;  eyes 
small;  scales  small,  60  to  no  in  the  lateral  series;  gill  rakers  short, 
from  15  to  23  on  first  gill  arch;  intestinal  canal  moderate,  %  to  2 
times  the  length  of  the  body,  folded  on  the  right  side;  peritoneum 
black;  teeth  4-4;  vertebrae  20+17  =  3 7" 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  ALGANSEA. 

a.     Scales  large,  57  to  70  in  the  lateral  series.  PAGE 

b.  Gill  rakers  short  and  blunt,  15  to  19. 
c.  Gill  rakers  3  +  12;   dorsal   fin  inserted   over 

ventrals tincella       44 

cc.  Gill  rakers  4-4-15;  dorsal  fin  inserted  slightly 

before  ventrals dugesi       45 

bb.  Gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  22  or  23  on  the 

first  gill  arch;  scales  65  in  the  lateral  series.-  .  .  .  .rubescens       46 
aa.  Scales  small,  85  to  95  in  the  lateral  series lacustris       47 

36.  Algansea  tincella  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes).    JUILIS. 

Leuciscus  tincella  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  323, 

1844;  City  of  Mexico. 
Algansea  tincella  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  183; 

City  of    Mexico:    Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  46,  pi.  xxvn,   figs. 

1-4,  1858;  City  of  Mexico:  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  FishComm., 

1894,    61;    Rio   Lerma,    Salamanca,    Guanajuato:    Jordan    & 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^;.  45 

Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  211:  Jordan  & 
Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900,  120;  Lago  de  Chalco, 
Valley  of  Mexico;  Rio  Verde,  Aguas  Calientes:  Pellegrin,  Bull. 
Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1901,  205  ;  Estado  de  Jalisco:  Meek,  Field 
Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  77;  Aguas  Calientes;  Lagos;  Celaya; 
Acambaro;  San  Juan  del  Rio;  Lago  de  Chalco;  Texcoco. 
Ceratichthys  sall&i*  Gunther,  Cat.,  vn,  1868,  484;  Cuernavaca, 

Mexico. 
Algansea  sallczi  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1896,  212. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma,  the  Valley  of  Mexico  and  the  head- 
waters of  the  Rio  San  Juan  to  tributary  of  the  Rio  Panuco.  (Chalco ; 
Viga  Canal.) 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  3^  to  4;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  17-65  to  70-13. 
Body  very  stout,  moderately  compressed;  head  moderate;  snout 
rather  pointed ;  mouth  terminal,  oblique ;  teeth  4-4 ;  maxillary  scarcely 
reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  maxillary  3%"  in 
head;  snout  3^  m  head;  eye  small,  6  in  head;  interorbital  area  very 
convex,  2^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  in  advance  of  ventrals  and 
midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal  fin;  about  35  scales 
between  nape  and  dorsal  fin;  longest  dorsal  ray  i^  in  head;  base  of 
dorsal  2!  in  head;  pectoral  very  short,  rounded,  i^  in  head;  ventrals 
2^  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  its  length  i^  in  head;  caudal  fin  of 
specimens  from  lakes  about  the  City  of  Mexico  slightly  shorter,  and 
the  fish  slightly  more  robust  than  those  from  the  Lerma  Basin;  gill 
rakers  very  short,  15  on  gill  arch;  lateral  line  somewhat  decurved, 
complete;  vertebrae  20+17  =37- 

Color  dark  reddish  brown,  gradually  becoming  lighter  below; 
smaller  specimens  have  a  faint  lateral  band  which  usually  ends  in 
a  black  caudal  spot.  This  caudal  spot  is  not  very  evident  on  speci- 
mens 6  or  more  inches  in  length.  Length  about  10  inches. 

37.  Algansea  dugesi  Bean. 

Algansea  dugesi  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1892,  283,  pi.  XLIV, 
fig.  i;  Lago  de  Yuriria,  Guanajuato:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  212. 

*This  is  the  only  record  of  a  species  of  this  genus  occurring  in  the  basin  of 
the  Rio  Balsas.  I  did  not  find  it  south  or  east  of  Cuernavaca.  I  am  inclined 
to  believe  that  the  specimen  on  which  the  description  of  Ceratichthys  sallcei 
was  based  was  secured  in  the  markets  of  the  City  of  Mexico.  It  is  quite  prob- 
able that  the  pond  in  the  famous  Borda  Garden  was  partially  stocked  with 
fishes  from  the  lakes  near  the  City  of  Mexico,  and  the  specimen  now  in  the 
British  Museum  was  taken  from  it.  This  pond  is  said  by  Dr.  W.  L.  Tower,  who 
saw  it  last  summer,  to  be  about  400  feet  long,  200  feet  wide,  and  the  water  in  it 
to  be  6  to  i o  feet  deep.  It  contains  a  large  number  of  fishes  from  4  to  8  inches 
in  length.  The  scales  on  the  type  are  given  by  Dr.  Boulenger  as  57  to  60. 


46  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V: 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  8.    ALGANSEA  DUGESI  Bean. 
No.  41818,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

Head  4;  depth  4;  D.  7 ;  A.  6;  scales  18-69  to  72~J3-  Body  robust; 
snout  rather  pointed,  its  length  3^  m  head;  mouth  rather  large, 
maxillary  reaching  to  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  lower 
jaw  slightly  included;  teeth  4-4;  dorsal  fin  inserted  somewhat  before 
ventrals;  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal;  longest 
dorsal  ray  1^2  in  head;  about  30  scales  in  a" series  between  nape  and 
dorsal  fin;  length  of  pectoral  fin  i>£  in  head;  ventral  i|;  lateral 
line  decurved,  complete;  gill  rakers  4+15  on  first  gill  arch. 

Color  dusky  brown;  sides  of  head  silvery;  a  faint  dusky  spot  at 
base  of  caudal;  upper  fins  dusky,  unmarked.  (Bean.)  Length  about 
6  inches.  Known  only  from  the  type  locality. 

38.  Algansea  rubescens  Meek. 

Algansea  rubescens  Meek,    Field   Col.   Mus.    Pub.    65,    1902,    78; 

Ocotlan. 
Lago  de  Chapala  and  neighboring  region. 


FIG.  9.    ALGANSEA  RUBESCENS  Meek. 

No.  3653.  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^E.  47 

Head  4;  depth  4  to  4^;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  16-65-10.  Body 
elongate,  rather  robust;  snout  rather  blunt,  4  in  head;  mouth  oblique; 
lower  jaw  short  included;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  vertical  from 
anterior  of  eye,,  its  length  3^  in  head;  interorbital  convex,  2^  in 
head;  eye  5  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  midway  between  tip  of  snout 
and  base  of  caudal;  longest  dorsal  ray  i^  in  head;  base  of  dorsal 
2^  in  head;  33  scales  in  a  series  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin;  pectoral 
if  in  head;  ventral  1^3  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  its  length  about 
i^\  in  head;  gill  rakers  long  and  rather  slender,  22  or  23  on  the 
first  gill  arch;  lateral  line  complete,  decurved. 

Color  reddish,  becoming  lighter  below,  not  much  silvery;  a  very 
faint  lateral  band  on  posterior  half  of  body;  a  black  caudal  spot, 
which  is  rather  faint  in  specimens  over  6  inches  long.  Length  6  to 
10  inches. 

Spawning  time  about  the  middle  or  last  of  June. 

39.  Algansea  lacustris  Steindachner. 

Algansea  lacustris  Steindachner,  Einige  Fisharten,  Mexico,  1895, 
10,  pi.  in,  figs,  i-ib;  Lago  de  Patzcuaro:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3140:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus. 
Pub.  65,  1902,  78;  Patzcuaro. 

Algansea  tarascorum  Steindachner,  ibid.,  figs.  2-2c;  Lago  de  Patz- 
cuaro, Michoacan:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1898,  2796. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma;  very  abundant  in  Lago  de  Patzcuaro. 
Head  3^3  to  4;  depth  3^  to  4;  D.  8;  A.  7  or  8;  scales  24-85  to 
100-15.  Body  rather  stout,  head  moderate;  snout  rather  pointed; 
mouth  oblique,  terminal,  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  vertical  from 
anterior  margin  of  orbit;  snout  rather  pointed,  3^  m  head;  eye 
small,  5  to  6  in  head;  interorbital  area  moderately  convex,  2^  in 
head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  in  advance  of  ventrals,  midway  between 
base  of  caudal  and  nostril;  longest  dorsal  ray  i^  in  head;  base  of 
dorsal  fin  2^  in  head;  pectoral  i%  in  head;  ventral  2^"  in  head; 
caudal  fin  forked,  its  length  1^3  in  head;  gill  rakers  moderately  long 
and  slender,  about  22  on  first  gill  arch;  lateral  line  complete,  some- 
what decurved. 

Color  light  reddish  above,  lighter  with  a  silvery  tinge  below. 
The  young  have  a  very  faint  lateral  band  which  ends  in  a  caudal 
spot.  This  spot  is  very  obscure  in  specimens  of  6  inches  or  over. 
Length  about  8  inches. 

This  species  is  easily  distinguished  from  the  others  of  the  genus 
by  its  very  small  scales.  Spawning  time  the  last  of  May  or  early 
in  June. 


48  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

17.     Hyboffiuithus  Agassiz. 
THE  SILVERY  MINNOWS. 

Hybognathus  Agassiz,  Amer.  Jour.  Sci.  Arts,  1855,  223.  (Type, 
Hybognathus  nuchalis  Agassiz.)* 

Dionda  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  177.  (Type, 
Dionda  episcopa  Girard.) 

Algoma  Girard,  1.  c.,  180.     (Type,  Algoma  amara  Girard.) 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  mouth  small,  horizontal 
or  oblique;  the  jaws  normal,  sharp-edged;  lower  jaw  with  a  slight, 
hard  protuberance  on  anterior  margin;  no  barbel;  upper  jaw  pro- 
tractile; teeth  4-4,  with  grinding  surface,  little  if  any  hooked;  alimen- 
tary canal  elongate,  three  or  more  times  length  of  body;  peritoneum 
black;  scales  large,  about  40  in  lateral  series;  dorsal  fin 'in  advance 
of  ventrals;  anal  fin  short.  •  Small  fishes  usually  inhabiting  streams 
•with  considerable  current. 

'     KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  HYBOGNATHUS. 

a.   Body  robust,  depth  less  than  4  in  body;  no  well  PAGE 

defined  lateral  band;  eye  small,  3^  in  head episcopus       48 

aa.  Body  rather  slender,  depth  4  in  body;  a  well  de- 
fined lateral  band  and  a  distinct  caudal  spot; 
eye  large,  2^  to  3  in  head rasconis  50 

40.  Hybognathus  episcopus  (Girard).     SILVERY  MINNOW. 

Dionda  episcopa  Girard,  P.roc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  177; 

Comanche  Spring,  a  tributary  of  the  Rio  Grande. 
Dionda  melanops  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  178; 

Buena  Vista,  Coahuila:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  44,  pi.  xxvi, 

figs.  17-20,  1859;  Buena  Vista,  Coahuila. 
Dionda  couchi  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1856,   178; 

Guajuco,  Monterey,  and  Cadereita,  Nuevo  Leon:  Girard,  Mex.. 

Bd.  Sur.,  44,  pi.  xxvi,  figs.  1-4,  1859;  Guajuco,  Monterey  and 

Cadereita,  Nuevo  Leon. 
Algoma  amara  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1856,   180; 

Lagoon  near  Ft.  Brown,  Texas:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  45,  pi. 

xxvii,  figs.  17-20,  1859;  Ft.  Brown,  Texas. 
Algoma  fluviatilis  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  'Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  181; 

near  Monterey,  Nuevo  Leon:  Girard,  Mex.   Bd.  Sur.,  45,  pi. 

xxvii,  figs.  17-20,  1859;  Monterey,  Nuevo  Leon. 
Dionda  amara  Jordan,  Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Sur.,  1876,  401;  Browns- 
ville, Texas. 

Hybognathus  serenus  Jordan,  Bull.  Geol.  Sur.,  1878,  401;  Browns- 
ville, Texas:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1896,  214. 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^E.  49 

Hybognathus  melanops  Jordan,  Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Sur.,  1878,  402; 
Brownsville,  Texas:  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894, 
59;  Rio  Conchos,  Chihuahua:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  217:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65, 
1902,  77;  Chihuahua,  Jimenez. 

Hybognathus  punctifer  Garman,  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1881, 
89;  Parras,  and  Spring  near  Saltillo,  Coahuila,  Mexico. 

Hybognathus  civilis  Cope,  Trans.  Amer.  Phila.  Soc.,  1884,  167; 
Monterey,  Nuevo  Leon. 

Hybognathus  episcopa  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  214. 

Hybognathus  amara  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  215. 

Southern  Texas  and  northern  Mexico  south  to  the  Rio  Mezquital 
in  Durango,  and  the  Rio  San  Juan,  in  Nuevo  Leon.  (Labor;  Durango; 
Monterey;  Montemorelos.) 

Head  4;  depth  3!  ;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  7-38  to  45-5.  Body  rather 
stout,  moderately  compressed;  head  moderate,  flattish  above;  snout 
bluntish,  $}/i,',  interorbital  width  2  in  head;  eye  3^;  mouth  small, 
oblique;  maxillary  reaching  about  half-way  to  vertical  of  front  of 
eye;  margin  of  upper  lip  on  a  level  with  lower  margin  of  pupil; 
pharyngeal  teeth  4-4,  grinding  surface  not  hooked,  sometimes  the 
distal  portion  blackish;  origin  of  dorsal  midway  between  base  of 
caudal  and  nostril;  longest  dorsal  ray  i^  in  head;  base  of  dorsal  2  in 
head ;  length  of  pectoral  i  y$  in  head ;  ventral  i  ^  in  head ;  lateral 
line  slightly  decurved,  occasionally  missing  on  a  few  scales;  caudal 
peduncle  rather  strong,  its  least  width  about  2  in  head  (caudal 
peduncle  in  Durango  specimen  is  about  2\  in  head  and  in  Chihuahua 
specimens  about  2  in  head) ;  alimentary  canal  about  three  times  the 
length  of  the  body;  peritoneum  black. 

Color  dark  to  light  brownish  (specimens  from  Montemorelos  con- 
siderably paler),  lighter  below;  edges  of  scales  darker,  forming  dark 
lines  along  their  rows;  in  darker  specimens  a  dark  lateral  band 
ending  in  a  dark  caudal  spot;  in  paler  specimens  this  band  and  spot 
very  faint;  fins  all  plain.  Length  about  3  incjies.  Southern  Texas 
and  northern  Mexico,  south  to  the  Rio  Mezquital,  Durango,  and 
the  Rio  San  Juan,  Montemorelos. 

This  species  is  very  variable.  I  have  compared  many  specimens 
from  various  localities  in  Mexico  and  regard  all  as  belonging  to  the 
same  species.  The  specimens  taken  at  Durango  and  Monterey  are 
much  darker  than  those  from  Montemorelos;  the  color  of  specimens 
from  other  localities  represent  various  shades  between  these  extremes. 
Spawning  time  the  last  of  May  and  first  part  of  June. 


50  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

41.   Hybognathus  rasconis   (Jordan  &  Snyder). 
,  Notropis  rasconis  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900, 
121;   Rio  Verde,   near   Rascon,   San   Luis   Potosi:  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3141. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Panuco.   (Forlon;  Valles;  Rascon;  Rio  Verde, 
Dr.  W.  L.  Tower.) 


FIG.  10.     HYBOGNATHUS  RASCONIS  (Jordan  &  Snyder). 
No.  61:3  (Notropis  rasconis  Jordan  &  Snyder),  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  4;  depth  4;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  7—36  to  42-5.  Body  rather 
elongate,  aspect  of  Nototropis  heterodon;  head  small,  convex  above, 
interorbital  width  2>£  to  3 ;  eye  2%  to  3 ;  snout  $%; teeth  4-4;  mouth 
moderate,  the  maxillary  nearly  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin 
of  orbit;  mouth  oblique,  more  so  than  in  preceding  species;  origin 
of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  tip  of  snout ;  longest 
dorsal  ray  i>£  in  head;  base  of  dorsal  a|  in  head;  pectorals  i%  in 
head;  ventrals  iX  m  head;  lateral  line  decurved,  occasionally  missing 
on  a  few  scales. 

Color  dark  olivaceous  above,  lighter  below;  sides  with  a  well- 
defined'  lateral  band  ending  in  a  black  caudal  spot.  Length  about 
2^  inches. 

18.     Pimelocephales  Rafinesque. 
FLAT-HEAD  MINNOWS. 

Pimephales  Rafinesque,  Ichth.  Ohiensis,  52,  1820.  (Pimephales 
promelas  Rafinesque). 

Body  rather  robust,  little  compressed;  head  short  and  rounded; 
mouth  small,  inferior;  upper  jaw.  protractile;  no  barbels;  teeth  4-4, 
with  oblique  grinding  surface,  usually  but  one  of  the  teeth  hooked; 
dorsal  fin  opposite  ventrals,  its  first  (rudimentary)  ray  separated 
from  the  rest  by  a  membrane,  and  not  adnate  to  the  first  developed 
ray,  as  is  usual  in  minnows  (most  distinct  in  adult  males,  in  which 
the  skin  of  the  first  ray  is  thickened);  anal  base  short;  alimentary 
canal  elongate,  about  2%  times  the  length  of  the  body;  peritoneum 
black;  lateral  line  complete  or  missing  on  some  scales.  A  small  group 
of  minnows  inhabiting  streams  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  and 
south  to  Chihuahua. 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^E.  51 

42.  Pimelocephales  confertus  (Girard). 

Hyborhynchus  confertus  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856, 

179;  Hurrah  Creek,  tributary  of  the  Rio  Pecos,  Texas. 
Pimephales  promelas  Jordan,  Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Sur.,   1878,  402; 

Brownsville,  Texas. 

Pimephales  confertus  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,   1894, 
57 ;  Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  217:   Meek,  Field   Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65, 
1902,  79;  Colonia  Juarez;  Guzman;  Santa  Maria;  Chihuahua; 
San  Andres;  Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez;  Minaca. 
Tributaries  of    the  Rio  Grande  and  the  Rio  Yaqui  in  northern 
Mexico  and  southwestern  Texas. 

Head  4;  depth  3^;  D.  7;  A.  7;  scales  12-52  to  55-8.  Body 
robust,  head  flat  above;  interorbital  width  2^  in  head;  snout  blunt, 
4  in  head ;  diameter  of  eye  3  >£  in  the  head ;  teeth  4-4 ;  origin  of  dorsal 
midway  between  base  of  caudal  fin  and  nostril;  longest  dorsal  ray 
i%  in  head;  pectoral  i£  in  head;  ventral  i/4',  scales  on  anterior 
and  upper  part  of  body  very  small,  about  35  in  a  series  between  nape 
and  dorsal  fin;  lateral  line  decurved,  complete;  caudal  fin  forked; 
intestinal  canal  2^  times  length  of  body. 

Color  light  olivaceous  to  nearly  black;  the  very  black  males  have 
a  light  vertical  bar  from  base  of  pectoral  to  back ;  a  second  light  bar 
from  first  dorsal  rays  to  base  of  ventrals;  pectoral  fins  black;  middle 
portion  of  ventral  and  anal  fins  very  dark;  caudal  with  a  dark  bar 
across  its  middle;  all  of  the  fins  in  the  light  colored  specimens  pale. 
Length  about  2^  inches. 

Subfamily  Mylopharodontinee. 

19.     Stypodoii  Garman. 
Stypodon  Garman,  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  vm,  1881,90.    (Type, 

Stypodon  signifer  Garman.) 

Body  oblong,  compressed,  covered  with  large  deciduous  scales; 
mouth  small,  terminal;  premaxillaries  protractile;  fold  of  lower  lip 
not  crossing  the  symphysis;  lower  jaw  trenchant,  without  horny 
covering;  no  barbels;  pharyngeals  strong;  teeth  3-3,  more  or  less 
cylindrical,  with  rounded  grinding  surface,  the  posterior  more  slender 
and  subconical;  lateral  line  complete,  decurved;  gill  rakers  short; 
dorsal  and  anal  fins  short. 

43.  Stypodon  signifer  Garman. 

Stypodon  signifer  Garman,  Bull.  Comp.  Zool.,  1881,  90;  Lago  de 
Parras,  Coahuila:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  220. 


52  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Head  3^3 ;  depth  3^;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  6-35-20.  Body  oblong, 
compressed;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  similar;  snout  short,  less 
than  diameter  of  eye;  mouth  oblique,  the  maxillary  not  reaching 
vertical  from  front  of  eye;  lower  jaw  the  longer;  pectorals  not  reach- 
ing ventrals;  the  latter  to  anal. 

Color  brown,  silvery  below;  a  broad  brown  lateral  band  bordered 
above  by  a  narrow  silvery  line.  (Garman.) 

A  small  fish,  known  only  from  the  above  account. 

Subfamily  Leuciscinse. 
2O.    Ptychoeheilus  Agassiz. 

Ptychocheilus  Agassiz,  Amer.  Journ.  Sci.  Arts,  1855,  229.  (Type, 
Ptychocheilus  gracilis  Agassiz.) 

Body  elongate,  little  elevated,  the  caudal  peduncle  not  contracted; 
head  long  and  slender,  pike-like;  mouth  nearly  horizontal,  widely 
cleft,  the  maxillary  extending  below  the  eye;  the  margin  of  the  upper 
lip  rather  lower  than  the  inferior  margin  of  the  eye;  lower  jaw  in- 
cluded ;  no  barbels ;  lips  thick ;  scales  small ;  mostly  longer  than  deep : 
lateral  line  decurved;  gill  rakers  very  short;  dorsal  fin  some- 
what behind  ventrals;  anal  base  short;  caudal  fin  strong;  intestinal 
canal  short;  teeth  2,  5-4,  2;  the  straight  limb  of  the  pharyngeal 
bone  extremely  long  and  slender,  its  teeth  wide  apart;  teeth  sub- 
conical,  scarcely  compressed  and  but  slightly  curved  at  the  tip;  no 
grinding  surface.  Minnows  of  very  large  size. 

44.  Ptychocheilus    lucius   Girard.     WHITE    SALMON    OF    THE    COL- 
ORADO RIVER. 

Ptychocheilus  lucius  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856, 
209;  Rio  Colorado:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  225:  Bean,  Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  1898, 
165;  Northern  Sonora:  Gilbert  &  Scofield,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1898,  492;  Colorado  River  at  Yuma  and  Horseshoe 
Bend,  near  its  mouth. 

Sonora  and  the  Colorado  River  Basin,  north  to  the  Uncompagre 
River  at  Delta,  Colorado. 

Head  3X5  depth  5X1  D.  9;  A.  9;  scales  83  to  87.  Body  slender, 
elongate,  with  long,  slender,  depressed  head;  eye  small,  2^  in  the 
snout,  7  in  head;  mouth  large;  maxillary  2f  in  head,  its  tip  reaching 
past  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  eye ;  teeth  2 ,  4-5 ,  2 ;  lateral 
line  strongly  decurved;  fins  moderate. 

Color  plain,  darker  above;  the  young  always  with  a  caudal  spot 
and  a  faint  pale  lateral  line  below  a  darker  one.  .Length  about  4  feet. 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID.E.  53 

This  is  the  largest  member  of  the  American  Cyprinida,  reaching 
a  weight  of  80  pounds.  It  has  been  taken  in  northern  (probably 
in  the  Rio  Sonora  or  Rio  Yaqui)  Sonora;  otherwise  known  only  from 
the  Colorado  Basin. 

21.     Grila  Baird  &  Girard. 

Gila  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1853,  368. 
(Type,  Gila  robusta  Baird  &  Girard.) 

Body  elongate,  little  compressed;  the  back  arched,  especially  in 
the  adult;  the  caudal  peduncle  extremely  long,  slender,  contracted, 
much  narrower  than  the  base  of  the  caudal  fin  which  is  widely  forked, 
with  its  basal  fulcra  very  much  developed;  head  broad,  more  or  less 
depressed,  its  profile  concave;  mouth  large,  horizontal  and  over- 
lapped by  the  broad  snout;  dorsal  fin  behind  the  middle  of  the  body, 
slightly  behind  ventrals;  anal  base  short;  intestinal  canal  short; 
peritoneum  dusky;  scales  very  small,  longer  than  deep,  especially 
posteriorly;  no  barbels;  teeth  2,  5-4,  2,  closely  set,  compressed  and 
hooked,  without  grinding  surface;  vertebrae  42  to  46.  Minnows  of 
large  size,  known  only  from  the  Colorado,  Gila,  and  Yaqui  rivers. 
These  fishes  are  easily  distinguished  from  others  of  the  family  by 
the  long,  slender  caudal  peduncle. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  GILA. 
a.     Head  short,   5   in  the  length;  anal  rays   10;  PAGE 

caudal  peduncle  long  and  slender,  as  broad  as 

deep;  tips  of  pectorals  reaching  %  distance  to 

base  of  ventrals elegans       53 

aa.  Head   longer,  3^  in  the  length;    anal  rays  8; 

caudal  peduncle  more  robust ;  tips  of  pectorals 

reaching  to  base  of  ventrals minaca       54 

45.  Gila  elegans  Baird  &  Girard.     BONY-TAIL;  GILA  TROUT. 

Gila  elegans  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1853, 
369;  Zuni,  Colorado,  and  Gila  rivers:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  226:  Gilbert  &  Scofield,  Proc. 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  492;  Colorado  and  Gila  rivers,  at 
Yuma  and  Horseshoe  Bend. 
Channels  of  the  Colorado  and  Gila  rivers. 

Head  5;  depth  5;  D.  9;  A.  10;  scales  23-85-10.  Body  elongate, 
somewhat  compressed,  the  region  before  the  dorsal  elevated,  forming 
a  sort  of  hump;  head  short,  broad;  the  snout  depressed  and  broadly 
rounded;  the  anterior  part  of  the  head  from  behind  the  eyes  broad 
and  depressed,  the  posterior  part  high,  so  that  the  profile  forms  a 


54  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V 

concave  arch;  mouth  rather  large,  nearly  horizontal,  the  upper  lip 
on  the  level  of  the  inferior  margin  of  eye;  lower  jaw  included;  skin 
of  the  lower  jaw  hard;  teeth  2,  4-5,  2;  eye  small,  5  in  head;  gill 
rakers  rather  weak;  fins  all  long  and  falcate;  pectorals  reaching 
ventrals;  caudal  deeply  forked. 

Color  bluish  above,  pale  below.     Length  about  12  inches. 

46.  Qila  minacge  Meek.     BONY-TAIL. 

Gila  minaccB  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  80;  Minaca. 
Headwaters  of  the  Rio  Yaqui. 


FlG.  11.     GlLA  MINAC/€  Meek. 
No.  3573,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 

Head3f;  depth  4| ;  D.  9;  A.  8;  scales  24-90-11.  Body  elongate, 
back  not  arched;  snout  bluntish;  mouth  terminal,  rather  large; 
maxillary  not;  reaching  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  its  length  3^  in 
head;  snout  3^;  diameter  of  eye  4^;  body  completely  scaled;  origin 
of  dorsal  fin  slightly  behind  base  of  ventrals,  midway  between  base 
of  caudal  and  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  base  of  dorsal  2  in  head,  its 
longest  ray  i>£  in  head;  the  tips  of  the  dorsal  rays  fall  together 
when  the  fin  is  defiexed  and  fall  opposite  to  the  middle  of  the  base 
of  the  anal  fin;  ventrals  iX  m  head,  their  tips  reaching  vent;  caudal 
fin  forked,  its  upper  lobe  the  larger;  lateral  line  complete,  decurved, 
its  lowest  portion  over  space  between  tip  of  pectorals  and  ventrals, 
reaching  axis  of  the  body  on  posterior  half  of  caudal  peduncle;  a 
row  of  pores  from  nostril  to  nape;  a  second  row  on  sides  of  head 
under  eye  to  near  upper  angle  of  opercle;  caudal  peduncle  very 
slender,  nearly  terete,  its  least  depth  3^2  in  the  head. 

Color  light  olivaceous;  a  faint  dark  band  from  base  of  caudal 
to  opposite  first  dorsal  rays;  fins  all  plain ;  a  faint  caudal  spot.  Length 
of  type  4.46  inches. 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^;.  55 

22.     Leuciscus  Cuvier. 
DACE. 

Leuciscus  (Klein)  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  i,  194,  1817.  (No 
type  mentioned,  Cyprinus  leuciscus  Linnaeus,  understood.) 

Body  oblong,  robust,  compressed  or  nearly  terete,  caudal  pedun- 
cle rather  strong;  mouth  usually  large,  terminal  and  oblique;  no 
barbels;  scales  large  or  small,  36  to  100  in  the  lateral  series;  dorsal 
fin  usually  behind  the  ventrals;  intestinal  canal  short;  teeth  (in 
American  species)  2,  5-4,  2,  to  i,  4-4,  i,  hooked,  with  a  narrow 
grinding  surface  or  none;  lateral  line  decurved,  complete  or  not;  anal 
fin  composed  of,  from  7  to  22  rays.  A  very  large  genus  of  very 
variable  fishes,  of  which  only  two  species  are  known  from  Mexico. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  LEUCISCUS. 

a.     Body  rather   slender;    head   4|   in   length  of  PAGE 

.body;  depth  4§ nigrescens  55 

aa.  Body  elongate,   heavy  forward;    head    3^; 

depth  4 [intermedius]  56 

47.    Leuciscus  nigrescens  (Girard).     PESCADITO;  CHUB  OF  THE  Rio 

GRANDE. 
Tigoma  nigrescens  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  207; 

Boca  Grande  and  Rio  Janos,  Chihuahua:  Girard,  Mex.   Bd. 

Sur.,   64,  pi.   xxxii,  figs.    1-4,    1859;   Boca  Grande  and  Rio 

Janos,  Chihuahua. 
Tigoma  pulchella  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  206; 

Rio    Mimbres,    tributary    of    Lago    de    Guzman,    Chihuahua: 

Girard,  Mex.   Bd.   Sur.,   62,  pi.   xxxiv,  figs.   5-8,    1859;  Rio 

Mimbres,  Chihuahua. 
Tigoma  pulchra  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  207; 

Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua. 
Gila  conspersa  Garman,  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,   1881,  91;    Rio 

Nazas. 
Cheonda  modesta  Garman,  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1881,  92;  Rio 

Salinas,  Saltillo,  Coahuila. 
Cheonda  nigrescens  Garman,   Bull.   Mus.   Comp.   Zool.,   1881,   92; 

Parras,  Coahuila. 
Leuciscus  nigrescens  Woolman,   Bull.   U.   S.    Fish  Co  mm.,    1894, 

57;  Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua:  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull. 

47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  233:    Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub. 

65,  1902,  80;  Colonia  Juarez;  Santa  Maria;  Chihuahua;    Bus- 

tillos;  San  Andres;  Miftaca;  Ahumada. 


56  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Tigoma  conspersa  Garman,  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1896,  234; 
Rio  Nazas,  Coahuila. 

Leuciscus  purpureus  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1896,  260; 
Morse  Canon  and  the  Rio  Yaqui  east  of  Opsura. 

Leuciscus  niger  Bean,  Bull.  Amer.  Mus.,  1898,  166;  San  Diego, 
Chihuahua. 

Northern  Mexico,  headwaters  of  the  Rio  Yaqui,  to  the  head- 
waters of  the  Rio  Mezquital,  the  Rio  Nazas,  and  east  to  \  Saltillo, 
Coahuila.  (Lerdo;  Santiago  Papasquiaro;  Durango.) 

Head  3$  to  4^;  depth  4  to  4§-;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  15  to  18-60 
to  75-8  to  10.  Body  rather  slender,  little  compressed;  head  rather 
long  and  pointed;  snout  3!  in  head;  mouth  moderate,  oblique, 
terminal;  the  jaws  equal,  the  maxillary  about  reaching  front  of  eye; 
eye  rather  small,  5  to  6  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between 
base  of  dorsal  and  nostril,  its  longest  ray  i^  in  head;  base  of  dorsal 
fin  2  in  head;  pectorals  reaching  about  ^  distance  to  ventrals,  1^3 
in  head;  ventrals  if  in  head;  lateral  line  decurved,  complete;  caudal 
fin  forked ;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2 1  in  head ;  teeth  2 ,  4-5 ,  i , 
hooked,  and  with  narrow  grinding  surface. 

Color  dusky  above,  silvery  below;  some  larger  specimens  with 
a  reddish  tinge;  young  specimens  usually  have  a  dark  lateral  band 
and  a  black  caudal  spot ;  the  band  and  caudal  spot  disappearing  with 
age,  being  quite  absent  on  specimens  over  8  inches  in  length.  Length 
about  12  inches.  A  very  abundant  and  variable  species. 

Leuciscus  intermedius  (Girard). 

Tigoma  intermedia  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  206;  Rio  San 
Pedro,  tributary  of  the  Gila,  Arizona. 

Leuciscus  intermedius  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896, 
235:  Gilbert  &  Scofield,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  493  (see  this  ref- 
erence for  synonymy) . 

Leuciscus  niger  Jordan  &  Evermann,  ibid.,  235. 

This  species  has  been  taken  in  Arizona,  near  the  Mexican  border.  It  may 
occur  in  northern  Sonora. 

Head  3^;  depth  ^  to  4;  D.  8;  A.  8  or  9;  scales  15-65  to  80-9.  Body  elon- 
gate, heavy  forward;  head  long,  rather  pointed,  broad  above,  depressed  over 
the  eye;  interorbital  4^  in  head;  mouth  large,  oblique,  the  jaws  equal,  the 
maxillary  just  reaching  vertical  from  the  eye;  dorsal  fin  slightly  behind  origin  of 
ventrals;  pectorals  long,  nearly  reaching  ventrals,  1^3  in  head;  ventrals  2  in 
head;  lateral  line  decurved;  teeth  2,  5-4,  2. 

Color  dusky,  paler  below;  small  specimens  with  a  dark  lateral  band;  fins  all 
dusky.  Southwestern  Arizona  in  basin  of  the  Gila  River. 

In  size  and  appearance  this  species  is  very  much  like  the  preceding. 

23.     Abramis  Cuvier. 
BREAMS. 

Abramis  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  in,  1817.  (Type,  Cyprinus 
brama  Linnaeus.) 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^;.  57 

Notemigonus  Rafinesque,  Jour.  Phys.  Chem.  et  Hist.  Nat.  Paris, 
1819,421.  (Type,  Notemigonus  auratus  Rafinesque  =Cyprinus 
crrysoleucas  Mitchill.) 

Body  sub-elliptical,  strongly  compressed;  dorsal  and  ventral  out- 
lines similar;  belly  behind  ventral  fins  forming  a  keel  over  which 
the  scales  do  not  pass;  head  small,  conic;  mouth  small,  oblique;  no 
barbels;  dorsal  fin  inserted  behind  ventrals;  anal  fin  long,  its  rays 
(American  species)  9  to  18;  lateral  line  complete,  much  decurved, 
concurrent  with  ventral  outline;  alimentary  canal  short,  a  little 
longer  than  the  body;  teeth  5-5,  edges  crenate. 

48.  Abramis   chrysoleucus  (Mitchill).     GOLDEN  SHINER;  BREAM. 

Cyprinus  crysoleucas  Mitchill,  Rept.  Fish.  N.  Y.,  23,  1814;  New 
York. 

Notemigonus  chrysoleucus  Jordan,  Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Sur.,  1878, 
404;  Brownsville,  Texas. 

Abramis  americanus  Giinther,  Cat.,  vn,  305,  1868. 

Abramis  crysoleucas  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  250. 

Mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande  north  to  the  Dakotas  and  Nova  Scotia. 

Head  4%;  depth  3;  D.  8;  A.  12  to  14;  scales  10-46  to  55-3.  Body 
moderately  elongate,  strongly  compressed;  head  short,  sub-conic, 
compressed,  the  profile  somewhat  concave;  mouth  small,  oblique, 
the  upper  lip  on  a  level  of  upper  part  of  pupil;  the  maxillary  not 
reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the  orbit. 

Color  greenish  above;  sides  silvery  with  golden  reflections;  fins 
yellowish,  the  tips  of  the  lower  fins  sometimes  slightly  orange  in 
spring  males.  Length  about  12  inches. 

The  most  southern  known  locality  of  this  species  is  the  mouth 
of  the  Rio  Grande  at  Brownsville,  Texas;  from  here  it  ranges  north 
to  Dakota  and  Nova  Scotia.  It  lives  mostly  in  bayous  and  ponds 
where  there  is  much  vegetation. 

24:.     Cochlognathus  Baird  &  Girard. 

Cochlognathus  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1854, 
158.  (Type,  Cochlognathus  ornatus  Baird  &  Girard.) 

Body  elongate;  head  rather  large;  jaws  each  provided  with  a  hard 
cutting  plate,  the  sharp,  bony  edge  being  surrounded  by  the  usual 
lip;  teeth  4-4,  with  grinding  surface,  the  tips  slightly  hooked;  first 
dorsal  ray  spine-like  and  separate  from  the  next  ray  by  a  membrane ; 
alimentary  canal  short;  anal  fin  small. 


58  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

49.  Cochlognathus  ornatus  Baird    &    Girard.     HARD-JAW  MINNOW. 
Cochlognathus  ornatus  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1854,  158;  Brownsville,  Texas:  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Sci.  Phila., 
1856,  181;  Brownsville,  Texas:  Girard,  Mex:  Bd.  Sur.,  46, 
pi.  xxv,  figs.  12-17,  1859;  Brownsville,  Texas:  Giinther,  Cat., 
vn,  187,  1868:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  252. 

Head  4;  depth  4^;  D.  8;  A.  6;  scales  40.  Body  moderately  elon- 
gate; head  long;  dorsal  fin  over  ventrals,  rather  high;  caudal  fin  short. 
Color  dusky,  yellowish;  a  dusky  lateral  band;  dorsal  fin  with  a 
black  spot  near  the  base  in  front  and  a  dusky  blotch  behind ;  caudal 
fin  with  a  dusky  median  band,  preceded  and  followed  by  a  pale 
area;  snout  tuberculate  in  the  spring  during  the  breeding  season. 
Length  about  three  inches.  Known  only  from  the  type  locality. 

25.     Falcula  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Falcula  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1899,  124. 
(Type,  Falcula  chapalce  Jordan  &  Snyder.) 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  caudal  peduncle  slender;  mouth 
large;  lips  thin,  premaxillary  protractile;  no  barbels;  teeth  4-4, 
hooked,  with  grinding  surface;  gill  rakers  few,  short,  far  apart;  alimen- 
tary canal  short;  peritoneum  light;  fins  high. 

50.  Falcula  chapala?  Jordan  &  Snyder.     SARDINA. 

Falcula  chapala  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900, 
125,  fig.  6;  Lago  de  Chapala,  Jalisco:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3143:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus. 
Pub.  65,  1902,  85;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma;  La  Barca 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FlG.  12.     FALCULA  CHAPAL/E  Jordan  &  Snyder. 
No.  6152,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  4  to  4^;  D.  8;  A.  8;   scales  8-50-5.     Body 
elongate,  compressed,  back  little  arched;  head  long,  narrowed  for- 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^E.  59 

wards;  interorbital  broad,  convex,  3  in  head;  snout  very  slightly 
bluntish,  3^4  in  head;  eye  3^  to  4^  in  head;  mouth  large,  oblique; 
maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  origir^' 
dorsal  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal;  base  of  dorsal  2^"r?fT 
head;  its  longest  ray  1%  in  head;  pectoral  long  and  slender,  its  length 
i  ^  in  head ;  ventral  i  J/£  in  head ;  base  of  anal  2  %  in  head ;  caudal  fin 
long  and  pointed;  caudal  peduncle  rather  slender,  its  least  depth  2§ 
in  head;  lateral  line  decurved,  complete. 

Color  light  brownish;  a  faint  plumbeous  band  on  side;  no  caudal 
spot;  the  fins  all  plain.  Length  about  10  inches.  • 

This  species  is  known  only  from  the  region  about  the  lake  whose 
name  it  bears,  and  where  it  is  abundant.  Spawning  time  the  mid- 
dle or  the  latter  part  of  June.  This  fish  is  much  used  for  food. 

26.     Aztecula  Jordan  &  Evermannn. 

Azteca  Jordan  &  Evermann,    Bull.    47,    U.  S.   Nat.  Mus.,  1896, 

258.    (Type,  Notropis  aztecus  Woo\ma,n  =  Codoma  vittata  Girard.) 

Aztecula  Jordan  &  Evermann,  ibid.,   1898,   2799;  substitute   for 

Azteca,  which  is  preoccupied  in  Entomology. 

Body  very  robust;  moderately  compressed;  head  rather  large; 
snout  decurved;  mouth  terminal,  oblique,  rather  small;  fins  small; 
scales  small;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly  behind  ventrals;  teeth  4-4,  no 
grinding  surface,  tips  slightly  hooked;  intestinal  canal  short,  about 
equal  to  the  length  of  the  fish ;  gill  rakers  very  short,  about  9  on  first  gill 
arch;  vertebrae  18+16=34. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  AZTECULA. 

a.     Scales  large,  about  50  in  the  lateral  line;  about  PAGE 

23  scales  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin. 
b.     Eye  large,  its  diameter  3%"  in  the  head ;  caudal 

peduncle  robust,  its  least  depth  2  in  head vittata       59 

bb.  Eye   smaller,   its   diameter   5   in  the  head; 
caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  least  depth  2% 

in  head lermcs       60 

aa.  Scales  small,  about  59  in  the  lateral  line ;  about 

30  scales  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin mericana       61 

51.  Aztecula  vittata   (Girard). 

Codoma  vittata  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1856,   195; 

Valley   of   Mexico:   Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  53,  pi.  xxix,  figs. 

1 8-2 1,  1859;  Valley  of  Mexico. 
Notropis  aztecus  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  63 ;  Canals 

about  the  City  of  Mexico:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  258;  City  of  Mexico. 


60  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Aztecula  azteca  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mtis.  Pub.  65,  1902,  81;  Texcoco; 

Chalet 

'c  Mexico  and  hea<".water&  of  the  Rio  Balsas  at  Puebla 

v .  -&L.  wa^ai,   Chalco;   Puebla.  Xochimilco.) 


FIG.  13.   AZTECULA  VITTATA  iGirard). 

No.  43569  (Notropis  aztectts  Woolman),  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

Head  4;  depth  3^  to  4;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  7-50-5.  Body  robust, 
back  moderately  arched,  the  highest  point  over  pectorals;  snout 
bluntish,  4^  in  head;  mouth  small,  oblique;  maxillary  scarcely 
reaching  vertical  from  front  of  eye,  3^  in  head;  teeth  4-4;  eye  small, 
4^2  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  eye; 
about  23  scales  in  a  series  between  nape  and  dorsal  tfin;  pectoral  fin 
short,  1 1  in  head ;  ventral  if;  caudal  fin  forked ;  caudal  peduncle  rather 
stout,  its  least  depth  2  in  head;  lateral  line  decurved.  wavv,  complete. 

Color  dark  brown  above,  lighter  below;  a  dark  lateral  band  more 
distinct  on  posterior  half  of  body ;  the  band  more  prominent  in  young 
examples;  caudal  spot  very  indistinct. 

This  species  is  very  abundant  in  the  lakes  and  canals  about  the 
City  of  Mexico.  I  also  took  six  specimens  of  this  species  from  the 
river  at  Puebla  and  a  number  of  small  ones  from  a  pond  near  by.  Its 
appearance  in  the  Balsas  basin  was  rather  unexpected.  There  is 
a  quite  deep  artificial  pond  at  Santa  Maria,  near  Puebla,  in  which 
are  fishes  of  this  species  which  were  probably  brought  from  the  lakes 
near  the  City  of  Mexico,  and  have  escaped  into  the  river  near  by. 

52.  Aztecula  lermae  (Evermann  &  Goldsborough). 

Notropis  lermcB  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1902,  147,  fig.  3;  Lago  de  Lerma,  Mexico. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma.     (Lerma.) 

Head  3^;  depth  3^;  D.  9;  A.  8;  scales  7-47-5.  Body  stout, 
deep,  not  much  compressed,  the  dorsal  region  gently  elevated;  head 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID.E.  61 

rather  heavy;  snout  short  and  rather  blunt;  mouth  small,  oblique, 
the  lower  jaw  included;  the  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  vertical  from 
anterior  margin  of  the  eye,  3^3  in  head;  eye  5  in  head;  snout  3^; 
teeth  4-4;  hooked,  and  with  crenate  edges;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway 


FlG.  14.     AZTECULA  LERM/€  (Evermann  &  Goldsboroughi. 
No.  50003,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

between  base  of  caudal  and  nostril;  about  23  scales  in  a  series  be- 
tween nape  and  dorsal  fin;  pectoral  i|  in  head;  ventral  2 ;  lateral  line 
decurved,  not  wholly  complete,  an  occasional  scale  without  any  pore; 
least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2^  in  head. 

Color  grayish  olivaceous  on  back  and  upper  part  of  side,  the  scales 
profusely  covered  with  dark  punctulations ;  a  broad  dark  plumbeous 
lateral  band  ending  in  an  indistinct  black  spot  at  base  of  caudal; 
pectoral,  caudal,  and  dorsal  fins  dusky;  the  ventrals  and  anal  pale. 
Length  about  2>^  inches. 

This  species  is  closely  related  to  the  preceding,  from  which  it  differs 
chiefly  in  the  more  slender  peduncle,  the  larger  eye,  less  rounded  snout 
and  coloration.  Spawns  late  in  summer.  At  present  this  species  is 
known  only  from  Lerma,  from  which  place  a  few  specimens  were  taken 
by  me. 

53.  Aztecula  mexicana  Meek. 

Aztecula  mexicana  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  81;  San 
Juan  del  Rio. 

Basin  of  Rio  San  Juan  on  the  Mexican  Plateau. 

Head  4;  depth  3^  to  4;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  9-59-7.  Body  robust, 
back  slightly  elevated,  its  highest  point  over  pectoral  fin  and  some- 
what in  advance  of  the  dorsal;  snout  bluntish;  mouth  small,  oblique, 
terminal,  lower  jaw  the  shorter;  snout  4  in  head;  teeth  4-4,  hooked, 
no  grinding  surface;  interorbital  area  3  in  head;  eye  small,  4^  in 
head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  the  eye; 
about  30  scales  in  a  series  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin;  pectoral  fins 
short,  1 3  in  head;  ventrals  2  in  head;  caudal  fin  rather  short,  forked; 


62  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


FlG.  15.     AZTECULA  MEXICANA  Meek. 
No.  3606,  Field  Columbian  Museum, 

caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  least  depth  2^  in  head;  lateral  line 
decurved  and  wavy,  complete  or  missing  on  a  few  scales. 

Color  dark  brownish  above,  lighter  below;  a  faint  lateral  band, 
most  conspicuous  on  last  half  of  the  body;  the  faint  caudal  spot 
more  prominent  in  the  young. 

This  species  differs  from  the  preceding  in  having  smaller  scales. 
Length  about  3  inches. 

27.     Nototropis  Rafmesque. 
THE  SHINERS. 

Notropis  Rafmesque,  Amer.  Monthly  Mag.,  n,  1818,  204.     (Type, 

Notropis  atherinoides  Rafmesque.)      ' 
Codoma  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  194.    (Type,  Co- 

doma  ornata  Girard.) 

Alburnops  Girard,  1.  c.,i94.     (Type,  Alburnops  blennius  Girard.) 
Moniana  Girard,  1.  c.,  199.     (Type,  Leuciscns   lutrensis   Baird  & 

Girard.) 
Graodus  Giinther,  Cat.,  vn,  485,  1868.    (Type,  Graodus  nigrotania- 

tus  Giinther  =  Leuciscus  boucardi  Gunther.) 
Orcella  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  289. 

(Type,  Notropis  orca  Woolman.) 

Body  elongate,  more  or  "less  compressed;  mouth  normal,  mostly 
terminal  and  oblique,  or  subinf erior ;  no  barbels;  teeth  4-4,  or  o,  i  or 
2,  4-4,  i  or  2,  sharp-edged  or  with  narrow  grinding  surface;  scales 
usually  large,  30  to  55  in  the  lateral  series;  lateral  line  complete  or 
not,  in  some  species  not  extending  beyond  base  of  ventrals;  coloration 
more  or  less  silvery;  males  usually  in  the  breeding  season  with  much 
red  on  body  and  fins,  and  with  tubercles  on  head  and  body.  The 
fishes  belonging  to  this  group  are  all  small,  most  of  them  less  than  3 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID.E.  63 

inches  in  length,  seldom  do  any  of  them  exceed  5  inches;  in  color  and 
form  most  of  the  species  are  very  variable. 

This  genus  contains  a  large  number  of  species  of  small  fishes  in- 
habiting the  streams  of  the  United  States  east  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains, ranging  south  into  Mexico  to  the  Rio  Panuco  and  west  to  the 
headwaters  of  the  Rio  Yaqui,  and  south  on  the  Pacific  side  to  the  Rio 
Balsas.  They  are  among  the  most  feeble  of  our  fresh-water  fishes. 
None  of  them  are  of  any  value  as  food  for  man,  but  are  of  great  impor- 
tance as  food  for  larger  fishes.  Very  few  of  the  species  inhabit  river 
channels,  nearly  all  being  confined  to  the  smaller  streams  and  ponds, 
from  which  they  probably  migrate  only  very  short  distances.  So  far 
as  known,  the  species  all  spawn  in  the  spring,  at  which  time  the  males 
are  more  or  less  highly  colored,  some  being  red,  or  with  red  fins,  while 
others  are  white  or  entirely  black,  and  the  head  and  often  the  entire 
body  is  covered  with  tubercles,  an  outgrowth  of  the  epidermis. 

All  of  the  species  of  this  group  are  quite  variable,  many  being 
difficult  to  determine.  Their  food  consists  largely  of  small  crus- 
taceans and  insect  larvae. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  NOTOTROPIS. 

a.     Body  subterete,  not  much  compressed;  snout  PAGE 

bluntish. 

b.     Scales  large,  less  than  40  in  the  lateral  series. 

c.     Sides  of  body  without  dark  vertical  bars; 

depth  of  body  •$%  to  4 ;  least  depth  of  caudal 

peduncle  2  to  2^  in  head. 

d.     Lateral  line  incomplete,  usually  on  from  3 

to  10  scales,  not  extending  beyond  base  of 

ventrals calientis       65 

dd.  Lateral  line  complete  or  very  nearly  so. 
e.     Head  large,  3^  to  $%  in  body;  about  14 
or  1 5  scales  before  dorsal  fin. 

f.  Eye  large,  3  in  head;  dorsal  rays  8;  anal 
rays  7;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  be- 
tween tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal  fin braytoni       65 

ff.    Eye  smaller,  3^2  in  head;  dorsal  rays  9; 
anal  rays  8;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway 

between  base  of  caudal  and  nostril robustus       66 

ee.   Head  shorter,  4  in  body;  about  16  scales 
before  dorsal  fin. 

g.  Caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  least  depth 
2 1  in  head;   a  narrow  dark  lateral  band; 
upper   half   of    body  with  many  spots, 

each  about  the  size  of  pupil chihuahua       67 


64  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

gg.  Caudal  peduncle  strong,  its  least  depth  PAGE 

2  in  head;  a  broad,  dark  lateral  band; 

no  spots  on  upper  half  of  body boucardi       67 

cc.  Sides  of  body  with  8  to  10  dark  vertical  bars ; 
body  very  robust;  caudal  peduncle  strong, 

\^  in  body;  depth  of  body  3  in  its  length ornatus       68 

bb.  Scales  small,  more  than  40  in  the  lateral  series, 
h.     Origin  of  dorsal  fin  nearer  snout  than  base 

of  caudal;  scales  8-42-4;  depta  5 orca       69 

hh.  Origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  pos- 
terior half  of  eye   and  base  of  caudal  fin; 

depth  4*4 nazas       70 

aa.  Body  much  compressed,  snout  pointed, 
i.     Scales  deeper  than  long;  body  usually  deep, 

its  depth  3  to  4  in  its    length, 
j .   Lateral  line  decurved,  below  the  middle  of  the 
body ;  6  to  9'  rows  of  scales  above  (including 
lateral  line)  lateral  line,  2  or  3  rows  below  it. 
k.     Scales  large,  less  than  40    in  the   lateral 
series;  less  than  20  scales  in  a  series  before 
dorsal  fin. 

I.  Lateral  line  complete,  or  nearly  so. 

m.  Origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between 
base  of  caudal  and  nostril;  anal  fin 
long,  its  base  i^  to  2  in  head. 

n.     Eye  large,  3  in  head;  anal  rays;9 forlonensis       70 

nn.  Eye  small,  3^  to  3^   in  head;  anal 

rays  8. 
o.     Lateral  band  on  the  posterior  portion 

of  the  body  only lutrensis       7 1 

oo.  Lateral  band  extending  from   eye  to 

base  of  caudal macrostomus       7  2 

mm.  Origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base 
of  caudal  and  pupil ;  anal  base  lorig,  i  ^ 
in  head;  caudal  peduncle  slender,  its 
least  depth  2^  in  body garmani  73 

II.  Lateral  line  incomplete,  on  n  to  13  scales; 
anal  rays  9;  lateral  line  much  decurved; 

scales  9-38-2  santamarice       74 

kk.  Scales  small,  more  than  40  in  the  lateral 

series;  about  24  scales  before  dorsal  fin formostis       74 

jj.  Lateral  line  on  or  above  the  middle  of  the 

body;  scales  5-35-6;  head  4;  depth  4^ frigidus       75 

ii.    Scales  not  deeper  than  long;  body   slender, 

its  depth  4}^  in  head;   anal  rays  10 .  . santarosalicz       75 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID.E.  65 

Subgenus  Alburnops  Girard. 
54.  Nototropis  calientis  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Notropis  calientis  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900, 
Rio  Verde,  Aguas  Calientes:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3197:   Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65, 
1902,  83;  Aguas  Calientes;  Oeotlan;  Acambaro. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FlG.  16.     NOTOTROPIS  CALIENTIS  Jordan  &  Snyder. 
No.  6193,  Leland  Stanford,  Jr.  University. 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  3^  to  3^ ;  D.  8;  A.  7 ;  scales  6-33  to  35-3. 
Body  oblong,  rather  stout,  not  much  compressed,  back  little  elevated; 
snout  bluntish,  4  in  head;  mouth  small,  maxillary  scarcely  reaching 
vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  eye  small,  4  in  head;  teeth 
4-4,  hooked,  with  narrow  grinding  surface;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  mid- 
way between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal,  base  of  dorsal  2  in 
head;  longest  dorsal  ray  i^  in  head;  pectoral  i^  in  head;  ventral 
1^2  in  head;  base  of  anal  fin  2^"  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  its  lobes 
rather  rounded;  caudal  peduncle  moderate,  2^  in  head;  lateral  line' 
decurved,  incomplete,  usually  only  on  the  first  three  to  ten  scales, 
seldom  reaching  as  far  as  opposite  origin  of  ventrals;  vertebrae 
20  -f  18  =  38. 

Color  rather   dark  brownish,   lighter  below;   an  indefinite   dark 
band  on  middle  of  sides;  no  black  caudal  spot.     Length  2^  inches. 

This  species  spawns  during  the  first  half  of  June. 

55.  Nototropis  braytoni   (Jordan  &  Evermann). 

Moniana   nitida  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1856,    20; 
Cadereita,   Nuevo   Leon:    Girard,   Mex.    Bd.    Sur.,    58,    1858; 
Cadereita,  Nuevo  Leon,  Mexico. 
Notropis  braytoni  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1896;  name  a  substitute  for  Moniana  nitida,  preoccupied. 
Streams  in  northeastern   Mexico  between  the   Rio   Panuco   and 
the  Rio  Grande.  (San  Juan;  Montemorelos ;  Garza  Valdez;    La  Cruz; 
Santa  Engracia;  Victoria.) 

Head  3^;  depth  4;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  6-36-3.     Body  elongate, 
robust,  not  much  compressed;  head  stout,  rather  broad;  snout  blunt; 


66 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


mouth  rather  large,  little  oblique,  tip  of  maxillary  reaching  vertical 
from  front  9f  eye;  snout  $}4;  interorbital  width  2$  in  head;  eye 
large,  its  diameter  3  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between 
tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal  fin ;  about  1 5  scales  in  a  series  between 
nape  and  dorsal  fin;  longest  dorsal  ray  i^  in  head;  base  of  dorsal 
2  in  head;  pectorals  i£  in  head;  ventrals  ijA\  base  of  anal  2l/z  in 
head;  lateral  line  decurved,  complete;  caudal  fin  forked;  caudal 
peduncle  stout,  its  least  depth  nearly  half  head. 

Color  straw,  lighter  below;  a  faint  lateral  band  on  posterior  half 
of  body,  ending  usually  in  a  black  caudal  spot.  Length  about  3 
inches. 

56.  Nototropis  robustus  Meek. 

Notropis  robustus  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub. '65,  1902,  82;   Santa 

Rosalia;  Jimenez. 
Upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Conchos  in  Chihuahua. 


FIG.  17.    NOTOTROPIS  ROBUSTUS  Meek. 

No.  3548,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


Head  3X1  depth  4;  D.  9;  A.  8;  scales  6-37-4.  Body  robust,  back 
little  arched,  its  highest  point  being  just  in  front  of  dorsal  fin;  snout 
blunt,  its  length  3^3  in  head;  mouth  large,  nearly  terminal,  slightly 
oblique;  maxillary  3^  in  head,  its  tip  reaching  vertical  from  pupil; 
teeth  4-4,  the  tips  slightly  hooked;  eye  large,  its  diameter  3^  in 
head;  interorbital  space  3  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  midway  between 
base  of  caudal  and  nostril;  15  scales  in  a  series  between  nape  and 
origin  of  dorsal  fin;  pectoral  fins  long,  nearly  reaching  ventrals,  1^2 
in  head;  ventrals  2  in  head. 

Color  olivaceous,  a  dark  lateral  band  from  snout  to  base  of  caudal 
fin,  ending  in  a  small  caudal  spot;  chin  white.  Spawning  time  the 
latter  part  of  June. 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID.E.  67 

57.  Nototropis  chihuahua  Woolman. 

Notropis  chihuahua  Woolman,  Amer.  Nat.,  March,  1892,  260;  Rio 
Conchos,  Chihuahua:  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894, 
58;  Rio  Conchos,  Chihuahua:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  265:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.,  65, 
1902,  83;  Chihuahua;  San  Andres;  Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez. 
Headwaters  of   the  Rio  Conchos  in  Chihuahua,  where  it  is  very 
abundant. 


FIG.  18.    NOTOTROPIS  CHIHUAHUA  Woolman. 

No.  44151,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

Head  4;  depth  4;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  6-33  to  37-3.  Body  rather 
robust,  little  compressed,  the  back  little  elevated;  head  large;  snout 
blunt,  its  length  $%  in -head;  mouth  slightly  oblique,  the  maxillary 
scarcely  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the  eye;  eye  3^ 
in  head;  origin  of  the  dorsal  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base 
of  caudal ;  about  1 6  scales  in  a  series  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin ; 
base  of  dorsal  fin  2  in  head,  its  longest  ray  i/^  in  head;  base  of  anal 
2§  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked;  caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  least 
depth  af  in  head;  lateral  line  nearly  straight,  complete. 

Color  light  brown ;  scales  above  dark  edged ;  numerous  round  dark 
dots  on  upper  half  of  the  body,  the  largest  sometimes  nearly  the  size 
of  pupil;  the  spots  unequal  and  irregularly  placed;  a  plumbeous 
lateral  band  from  eye  through  snout,  ending  in  a  black  caudal  spot; 
fins  plain.  Length  about  2%  inches. 

One  of  the  most  conspicuously  marked  species  in  the  genus. 
Spawning  season  the  last  of  June  and  the  early  part  of  July. 

58.  Nototropis  boucardi  (Gtinther).     SALMICHI. 

Leuciscus  boucardi  Giinther,  Cat.,  vn,  485,  1868;  Cuernavaca. 
Rutilus  boucardi  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  247. 


68  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM— ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Graodus  nigrotaniatus  Giinther,  Cat.,  vn,  485,  1868;  Atlixco, 
Mexico. 

Notropis  nigrol&niatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  264:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm. 
1900,  121;  Rio  Ixtla,  Puente  de  Ixtla,  Morelos:  Meek,  Field 

1       Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1962;  Balsas;  Puente  de  Ixtla. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Balsas.  (Cuautla;  Yautepec;  Jojutla;  Atlixco; 
Matamoras;  Chietla.) 

Head  4;  depth  4;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  7-36  to  38-4.  Body  elongate, 
very  robust,  not  much  compressed,  back  little  elevated;  head  large; 
snout  blunt,  3%  in  head;  mouth  moderate,  maxillary  reaching  to 
vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  teeth  4-4;  eye  3  £  to  4  in  head; 
origin  of  dorsal  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal;  base 
of  dorsal  2  in  head;  longest  dorsal  ray  i>£  in  head;  about  16  scales 
in  a  series  between  the  nape  and  dorsal  fin;  pectorals  i^"  in  head; 
ventrals  i  %  ;  base  of  anal  2  % ;  caudal  forked ;  caudal  peduncle  rather 
robust  its  least  depth  2  in  head;  lateral  line  complete,  slightly  de- 
curved. 

Color  dark  brownish  above,  much  lighter  below;  sides  with  a 
dark  lateral  band,  more  prominent  on  smaller  specimens  and  on 
posterior  half  of  body,  ending  in  a  black  caudal  spot;  fins  plain. 
Length  about  3%"  inches. 

Mr.  C.  Tate  Regan,  of  the  British  Museum,  London,  has  kindly 
examined  the  types  of  Leuciscus  boucardi  and  Graodus  nigrotceniatus-, 
and  he  considers  both  to  be  the  same"" species.  This  decision  agrees 
with  the  result  of  my  study  of  the  minnows  of  the  Balsas  Basin. 
This  species  is  in  North  America  the  most  southern  member  of  the 
family  to  which  it  belongs.  Specimens  taken  at  Yautepec  on  March 
26th  have  the  ovaries  well  developed,  indicating  the  spawning  season 
to  be  in  April. 

Subgenus  Codoma  Girard. 

59.  Nototropis  ornatus  (Girard). 

Codoma  ornata  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  195; 
Rio  Chihuahua:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  59,  pi.  xxix,  figs. 
22-25,  I^S9''  Ri°  Chihuahua  and  its  tributaries. 
Notropis  ornatus  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  58,  Rio 
Conchos,  Chihuahua:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  27:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  83; 
Chihuahua;  San  Andres;  Jimenez;  Minaca. 

Headwaters  of  the  Rio  Mezquital  and  the  Rio  Nazas,  in  Durango, 
to  the  upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Yaqui  and  the  Rio  Conchos,'  in 
Chihuahua.  (Santiago  Papasquiaro;  Durango.) 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID.E.  69 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  3;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  8-40-4.  Body  very 
stout  and  moderately  compressed,  the  back  arched;  the  head  very 
blunt,  thick,  and  rounded;  mouth  small,  somewhat  oblique;  the  cleft 
mostly  anterior;  the  jaws  equal;  teeth  4-4;  snout  3^  in  head;  eye 
small,  3^  to  4  in  the  head;  origin  of  dorsal  midway  between  tip 
of  snout  and  base  of  caudal;  base  of  dorsal  2  in  head,  its  longest  ray 
\l/t  in  head;  18  scales  in  a  series  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin;  pec- 
torals 1%  in  head;  ventrals  if  in  head;  base  of  anal  2>£  in  head; 
caudal  fin  forked;  caudal  peduncle  very  stout,  its  least  depth  i^ 
in  head;  males  in  breeding  season  with  prickles  on  head  and  body; 
lateral  line  complete. 

Color  dark,  lighter  below;  sides  with  about  8  to  10  more  or  less 
conspicuous  cross-bars;  fins  with  the  middle  parts  dusky  or  black. 
The  smaller  specimens  do  not  have  as  prominent  bars  as  the  larger 
ones,  but  they  have  a  more  prominent  caudal  spot.  A  few  males 
are  black  with  a  white  vertical  band  on  preopercle  behind  eye;  all 
of  the  fins  are  black  with  light  margins.  Length  about  2^  inches. 
Spawning  time  apparently  the  first  part  of  June 

Subgerms  Orcella  Jordan  &  Evermanii. 

60.  Nototropis  orca  Woolman. 

Notropis  orca  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  56;  Rio 
Grande,  El  Paso,  Texas:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  289. 

Rio  Grande  at  El  Paso,  Texas. 

Head  4^2',  depth  5;  D.  7;  A.  8;  scales  8-42-4.  Body  robust, 
little  compressed,  with  broad  back;  dorsal  outline  somewhat  elevated; 
head  heavy;  snout  blunt,  decurved;  mouth  subinferior,  little  oblique; 
lower  jaw  slightly  included;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  vertical  from 
pupil;  top  of  head  transversely  rounded  so  that  the  eye  is  as  near 
the  lower  as  the  upper  profile  of  the  head;  interorbital  space  very 
wide  and  very  convex,  equals  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  pupil; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  a  little  nearer  snout  than  base  of  caudal;  longest 
dorsal  ray  i-J  in  head;  pectorals  slightly  falcate,  about  reaching 
ventrals,  ij^  in  head;  ventrals  2  in  head;  caudal  deeply  forked;  scales 
rather  large,  thin;  lateral  line  somewhat  decurved. 

Color  pale;  side  with  a  broad  distinct  silvery  band  as  broad  as 
length  of  snout,  bordered  above  by  a  narrow  plumbeous  line;  back 
sparsely  covered  with  fine  dark  punctulations ;  median  line  of  back 
with  a  faint  plumbeous  band;  top  of  head  darkish;  fins  pale.  Length 
about  3>£  inches.  (Jordan  &  Evermann.) 


70  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

61.  Nototropis  nazas  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4375,  F.  C.  M.,  2>£  inches  in  length;  Santiago  Papas- 
quiaro,  Durango. 

Headwaters  of  the  Rio.  Nazas  in  Durango. 


FIG.  19.    NOTOTROPIS  NAZAS  Meek. 

Head  4%;  depth  4^  to  4$;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  10-49  to  54-5. 
Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed;  top  of  head  flattish,  the  eye 
being'  much  nearer  the  upper  than  the  lower  profile  of  the  head; 
snout  rather  pointed,  slightly  overhanging  the  mouth,  3 %  in  head; 
mouth  large,  maxillary  about  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin 
of  pupil;  maxillary  3  in  head;  teeth  4-4,  hooked  and  with  grind- 
ing surface  quite  well  developed;  pharyngeal  bones  and  teeth  very 
small;  eye  3^3  in  snout;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  about  midway  between 
base  of  caudal  and  anterior  margin  of  eye;  about  30  scales  in  a  series 
between  nape  and*  dorsal  fin ;  base  of  dorsal  i  ^  in  head ;  its  longest 
ray  i^  in  head;  pectoral  i^  in  head,  its  tips  reaching  about  $ 
distance  from  its  base  to  base  of  ventrals;  ventrals  nearly  reaching 
anal,  if  in  head;  base  of  anal  2  in  head;  caudal  fin  deepjy  forked; 
caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  least  depth  3^  in  head;  scales  small, 
smaller  on  upper  anterior  part  of  the  body;  lateral  line  complete. 

Color  light  brownish,  lighter  below;  a  narrow  dark  lateral  band, 
which  ends  in  a  faint  caudal  spot,  on  base  of  caudal  rays;  back  finely 
punctulate  with  dark  dots,  many  being  grouped  to  form  larger  dots. 
Length  about  2^  inches.  Spawning  time  the  latter  part  of  May. 
(Nazas, — name  of  the  river  from  which  the  type  was  taken.) 

Subgenus  Moniana  Girard. 
62.  Nototropis  forlonensis  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4478,  F.  C.  M.,  2  inches  in  length;  Forlon,  Tamaulipas. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Panuco.  (Forlon;  Valles.) 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  3*;  D.  8;  A.  9;  scales  6-35-3.  Body 
elongate,  considerably  compressed;  dorsal  ?nd  ventral  outlines  about 
equal;  snout  pointed,  4  in  head;  mouth  terminal,  oblique;  end  of 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^;.  71 

maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  eye  large, 
3  in  head;  teeth  4-4,  hooked,  with  narrow  grinding  surface;  origin 
of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  nostril;  base  of 
dorsal  2^  in  head;  its  longest  ray  i-f  in  head;  pectoral  pointed, 


FlG.  20.     NOTOTROPIS  FORLONENSIS  Meek. 

i£  in  head;  ventral  i%  in  head;  base  of  anal  i^  in  head;  caudal 
peduncle  rather  slender,  its  least  depth  2^  in  head;  scales  rather 
deeper  than  long;  lateral  line  decurved,  complete. 

Color  rather  light  brownish,  with  a  lateral  plumbeous  band, 
ending  in  a  very  faint  caudal  spot.  Length  about  2  inches. 

This  species  resembles  Nototropis  lutrensis,  differing,  however,  from 
it  in  having  a  better  developed  lateral  band,  a  faint  caudal  spot, 
and  a  larger  eye.  Spawning  time  the  latter  part  of  May.  (Forlon, — 
name  of  the  river  from  which  the  type  was  taken.) 

63.  Nototropis  lutrensis   (Baird  &  Girard). 

Leuciscus  lutrensis  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1853,  391;  Otter  Creek,  tributary  of  the  North  Fork  of  Red 

River,  Arkansas. 
Moniana  couchi  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  201; 

China,  Nuevo  Leon:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  57,  pi.  xxx,  figs. 

21-24,  1859;  China,  Nuevo  Leon. 
Moniana  rutila  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  201,  1856; 

Cadereita,  Nuevo  Leon:    Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  57,  pi.  xxx, 

figs.  1-4,  1859;  Cadereita,  Nuevo  Leon. 
Moniana  -gracilis  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  201,  1856; 

Monterey,    Nuevo    Leon:    Girard,    Mex.    Bd.   Sur.,   59,    1859; 

Acapulco,  near  Monterey,  Nuevo  Leon. 
Moniana  gibbosa  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,   1859,  59;  Brownsville, 

Texas. 
Cyprinella  bubalina  Jordan,   Bull.   U.   S.   Geol.   Sur.,   1878,   403; 

Brownsville,  Texas. 

Cliola  montiregis  Cope,  Proc.  Amer.  Philos.  Soc.,  1884,  168;  Mon- 
terey, Nuevo  Leon. 


72  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Notrofns  lutrensis  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  i&g^,  58; 
Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  271:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65, 
1902;  Santa  Maria;  Ahumada;  Chihuahua;  Santa  Rosalia; 
Jimenez;  San  Andres;  Minaca. 

Small  streams  from  the  Rio  Conchos  in  Chihuahua,  north  and 
east  to  South  Dakota.  (Sauz;  Linares.) 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  3  to  4;  D.  7  or  8;  A.  8;  scales  6  or  7,  36-3. 
Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  rather  large;  snout  slightly  bluntish; 
mouth  moderate,  oblique;  snd  of  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from 
anterior  margin  of  orbit;  teeth  4-4,  or  i,  4-4,  o,  i  or  2;  eye  small, 
about  equal  to  snout,  3^4  to  4  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway 
between  base  of  caudal  and  nostril;  about  14  to  19  scales  in  a  series 
between  nape  and  dorsal  fin;  base  of  dorsal  i^  in  head,  its  longest 
ray  i^  in  head;  pectorals  i^  in  head;  ventrals  if  in  head;  base  of 
anal  2  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked;  caudal  peduncle  moderate,  its 
least  depth  2  in  head ;  scales  deeper  than  long ;  lateral  line  consid- 
erably de curved. 

Color  bluish  above,  lighter  below;  on  darker  specimens  a  dark 
vertical  bar  behind  gill  opening  followed  by  a  pale  vertical  bar  which 
in  life  is  red;  in  males,  which  have  the  body  entirely  covered  with 
tubercles,  the  body  in  life  is  tinged  with  red,  the  pectorals,  ventrals, 
and  anals  a  bright  red;  small  specimens  with  a  very  faint  lateral 
band  on  posterior  half  of  body;  no  caudal  spot.  Length  about  3 
inches.  ' 

A  very  variable  and  widely  distributed  rspecies.  Spawning  time 
the  last  half  of  May. 

64.  Nototropis  macrostomus   (Girard). 

Cyprinella  macrostoma  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856, 
198;  Devil's  River,  Texas;  China,  Nuevo  Leon:  Girard,  Mex. 
Bd.  Sur.,  54,  pi.  xxxi,  figs.  5-8,  1859;  China,  Nuevo  Leon. 

Notropis  macrostomus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  274. 

Streams  tributary  to  the  Rio  Grande,  in  northeastern  Mexico. 
(San  Juan;  Montemorelos.) 

Head  3$;  depth  3^";  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  7-35-2.  Body  rather 
elongate, .  moderately  compressed;  head  conical;  snout  bluntish; 
mouth  rather  large,  terminal,  the  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from 
front  of  orbit;  eye  equal  to  length  of  snout,  3^  in  head;  origin  of 
dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal;  dorsal 
fin  short,  its  base  2  in  head;  pectoral  i^  in  head;  ventrals  reaching 
vent,  1^2  iv  head;  base  of  anal  2*4  in  head;  least  depth  of  caudal 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^E.  73 

peduncle  2^  in  head;   lateral  line  above    pectoral    considerably  de- 
curved. 

Color  olivaceous;  a  silvery  band  from  eye  to  base  of  caudal,  with 
a  narrow  light  line  above  it.     Length  about  2.25  inches. 

The  males  of  this  species  are  much  the  darker,  with  the  lateral 
band  very  faint;  tubercles  on  head  and  nape.  Females  with  well- 
developed  eggs.  This  species  resembles  Nototropis  lutrensis,  but  is 
more  slender  than  that  species,  and  the  lateral  band  is  more  promi- 
nent on  anterior  half  of  the  body;  the  mouth  is  also  larger. 

65.  Nototropis  garmani  (Jordan). 

Cyprinella  mbripinna  Garman,  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1881,  91;  Lago 
del  Muerte,  near  Parras,  Coahuila. 

Notropis^ garmani  Jordan,  Cat.  Fishes  N.  Amer.,  1885,813;  name 
a  substitute  for  rubripinna,  preoccupied:  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  281. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Nazas.  (Lerdo;  Santiago  Papasquiaro.) 

Head  3^"  to  4;  depth  2%"  to  4;  D.  9;  A.  10  to  12;  scales  7-36-3. 
Body  elongate  to  very  deep,  much  compressed,  the  back  somewhat 
arched;  head  rather  small;  snout  bluntish,  4  in  head;  mouth  small, 
oblique,  terminal,  the  lower  jaw  included  when  mouth  is  closed;  the 
tip  of  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the  orbit; 
teeth  4-4,  narrow  grinding  surface,  tips  hooked;  eye  33/2  in  the  head; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  pupil;  about 
18  scales  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin;  base  of  dorsal  i^  in  head, 
slightly  less  than  length  of  longest  ray;  fins  all  large,  the  tips  of  the 
pectorals,  in  the  deeper  specimens,  reaching  base  of  ventrals;  pectorals 
i£  in  head;  ventrals  i^  in  head;  base  of  anal  equals  length  of 
longest  anal  ray,  i^  in  head;  scales  rather  large,  deeper  than  long, 
especially  on  deepest  specimens ;  caudal  fin  forked ;  caudal  peduncle 
very  slender,  its  least  depth  2^  in  head;  vertebrae  16  +  17  =  3 3- 

Color  bluish  above,  lighter  below;  a  dark  band  on  middle  of  the 
body  on  posterior  half;  no  caudal  spot;  fins  plain;  males  in  breeding 
season  with  much  red  on  body  and  fins,  and  tubercles  on  body;  old 
males  with  tubercles  over  the  entire  body.  Length  about  3  inches. 

This  species  is  very  variable  in  form  and  color;  it  differs  chiefly 
from  Nototropis  lutrensis,  which  it  most  resembles,  in  having  larger 
fins  and  a  much  more  slender  caudal  peduncle.  The  specimens  from 
Lerdo  are  very  much  compressed,  appearing  much  like  half -starved 
fish;  dark  olivaceous,  not  much  silvery.  The  large  males  are  very 
red  in  life,  with  a  dark  bar  followed  by  a  lighter  one  just  back 
of  head. 

This  species  may  possibly  prove  to  be  a  variety  of  Nototropis 
lutrensis.  Spawning  time  the  latter  part  of  May  and  in  June. 


74  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

66.  Nototropis  santamariae  Evermann  &  Goldsborough. 

Notropis  santamarics  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.S.  Fish 

Comm.,  1902,  147;  Lago  de  Santa  Maria,  Chihuahua. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Santa  Maria. 


FlG.  21.     NOTOTROPIS  SANTAMARIXE  Evermann  &  Goldsborough. 
No.  50003,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

Head  4;  depth  3^;  D.  8;  A.  9;  scales  9-38-2.  Body  short,  deep, 
and  compressed;  head  short,  obtuse;  mouth  rather  small,  oblique; 
jaws  subequal,  the  lower  slightly  included;  maxillary  scarcely  reach- 
ing eye;  its  length  6  in  head;  interorbital  6  in  head;  eye  large,  3^3 
in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  over  ventrals,  midway  between  base  of 
caudal  and  anterior  margin  of  the  orbit;  scales  large,  loose,  and 
closely  imbricated,  the  exposed  portions  of  the  anterior  ones  deeper 
than  long;  about  15  scales  between  nape  and  dorsal  fin;  longest 
dorsal  ray  i£  in  head;  pectorals  short,  pointed,  i%  in  head,  not 
reaching  base  of  ventrals;  ventrals  barely  reaching  origin  of  anal; 
lateral  line  greatly  decurved  and  incomplete,  only  n  to  13  pores; 
fins  all  small;  teeth  4-4,  slightly  hooked;  caudal  peduncle  moderate, 
its  least  depth  2$  in  head. 

Color  olivaceous,  paler  below;  back  and  upper  part  of  side  with 
numerous  small  dark  specks ;  the  edges  of  the  scales  dark ;  an  obscure 
dark  lateral  band,  plainest  on  caudal  peduncle;  median  line  of  back 
dark;  top  of  head  dark;  snout  somewhat  dusky;  dorsal  and  caudal 
fins  dusky,  other  fins  pale.  Length  about  2  inches.  Known  only 
from  the  type  locality. 

67.  Nototropis  formosus   (Girard). 

Moniana  formosa  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  201; 
Rio  Mimbres,  Chihuahua:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  58,  pi. 
xxx,  figs.  5-8,  1859;  Rio  Mimbres,  Chihuahua. 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID.E.  75 

Notropis  formosus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  271:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  84;  Colonia 
•  Juarez. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Casas  Grandes. 

Head  3^;  depth  3^  to  3^;  D.  9;  A.  8;  scales  10-42  or  48-5. 
Body  elongate,  much  compressed;  head  large;  snout  pointed,  4  in 
head;  mouth  moderate,  end  of  maxillary  reaching  to  vertical  from 
anterior  margin  of  eye;  teeth  4-4,  narrow  grinding  surface,  tips  little 
hooked;  eye  small,  3^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between 
base  of  caudal  and  nostril;  about  24  scales  in  a  series  between  nape 
and  dorsal  fin;  base  of  dorsal  i^  in  head;  longest  ray  i>£  in  head; 
pectoral  i%  in  head;  ventral  1^2  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked;  caudal 
peduncle  2  in  head;  lateral  line  decurved,  complete  or  absent  on  a 
few  scales. 

Color  dark  bluish,  much  lighter  below;  a  dark  band  on  middle 
of  posterior  part  of  body ;  no  caudal  spot ;  vertical  fins  darkish ;  outer 
margin  of  first  pectoral  ray  dark.  Length  2  inches. 

This  species  is  abundant  in  the  basin  of  the  Rio  Casas  Grandes. 
It  has  not  been  taken  elsewhere. 

68.  Nototropis  frigidus  (Girard). 

Montana  frigida  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  200; 
Rio  Frio,  Texas:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  271. 

Notropis  frigidus  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 
Comm.,  1902,  148;  Lago  de  Santa  Maria,  Chihuahua. 

Northern  Chihuahua  to  Texas. 

Head  4;  depth  4^;  D.  7 ;  A.  9;  scales  5-35-6.  Body  slender, 
compressed;  head  small;  mouth  small,  oblique,  lower  jaw  slightly 
included;  scales  thin,  deciduous;  fins  small;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly 
behind  base  of  ventrals. 

Color  pale  yellowish  or  straw  color;  a  few  dark  punctulations 
along  the  median  line  of  back.  Length  about  2  inches. 

A  single  specimen  2  inches  long  from  a  pool  near  Lake  Santa 
Maria,  Chihuahua,  seems  to  be  this  species,  though  too  badly  muti- 
lated to  enable  us  to  identify  it  with  certainty.  (Evermann  &  Golds- 
borough.) 

Subgenus  Nototropis  Rafinesque. 

69.  Nototropis  santarosaliae  Meek. 

Notropis  santarosalice  Meek,  Field    Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  85; 

Santa  Rosalia. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Conchos  in  Chihuahua. 


;6  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Head  4;  depth  4^;  D-  8;  A.  10;  scales  6-37-3.  Body  elongate, 
rather  slender ;  snout  pointed,  short;  4  in  head;  mouth  large,  terminal, 
oblique;  jaws  about  equal;  end  of  maxillary  reaching  to  middle  of 
the  pupil;  margin  of  upper  lip  on  level  with  center  of  eye;  eye  large, 


.  FIG.  22.    NOTOTROPIS  SANTAROSALI/C  Meek. 

No.  3535,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 

3  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and 
anterior  margin  of  the  orbit;  18  scales  in  a  series  before- dorsal  fin; 
base  of  dorsal  fin  2^  in  head,  its  longest  ray  iXm  head;  pectorals 
iX  m  head;  ventrals  if;  lateral  line  decurved,  complete;  the  lateral 
line  about  one  scale-width  below  the  lateral  band. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  with  a  broad  dark  lateral  band  from  snout 
through  eye  to  base  of  caudal,  rnore  prominent  on  the  posterior 
half  of  the  body,  not  ending  in  a  black  caudal  spot;  fins  all  plain. 
Length  about  2  inches. 

28.     Pheiiacobius  Cope. 

Phenacobius  Cope,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1867,  96.     (Type, 

Phenacobius  teretulus  Cope.) 
Sarcidium  Cope,  Hayden's  Geol.  Sur.  Wyom.,  1870  (1871),  440. 

(Type,  Sarcidium  scopiferum  Cope.) 

Body  elongate,  little  compressed;  head  moderate,  subterete; 
mouth  inferior,  the  lower  lip  thin  mesially,  but  enlarged  into  a 
fleshy  lobe  on  each  side  toward  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  resembling 
a  cut  lip ;  upper  lip  with  a  callous  covering  within ;  dentary  bones 
distinct,  except  at  the  symphysis;  no  barbel;  upper  jaw  protractile; 
teeth  4-4,  without  grinding  surface;  scales  small;  lateral  line  present; 
isthmus  wide;  alimentary  canal  short;  peritoneum  white. 

70.  Phenacobius  scopifer  (Cope). 

Sarcidium  scopiferum  Cope,   Hayden's   Geol.   Surv.   Wyo.,    1870 
(1871),  440;  Missouri  River  near  St.  Joseph,  Missouri. 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID.E.  77 

Phenacobius  scopifer  Jordan,  Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Sur.,  1878,  666; 
Brownsville,  Texas:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  302. 

Mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande  north  to  St.  Joseph,  Missouri. 

Head  4  to  4^;  depth  4^;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  6-43-5.  Body 
moderately  slender;  head  short;  snout  rather  blunt;  mouth  small; 
dorsal  fin  in  front  of  ventrals. 

Color  olivaceous,  a  silvery  lateral  band,  and  a  black  caudal  spot; 
edges  of  scales'  with  dark  edgings,  which  sharply  define  their  outlines. 
Length  about  3  inches. 

29.     Evarra  Woolman. 

Evarra  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  64.  (Type,  Evarra 
eigenmanni  Woolman.) 

Body  very  elongate,  slender,  subterete;  head  small;  snout  bluntish; 
mouth  small,  terminal,  oblique;  no  barbels;  the  lips  thickish;  upper 
jaw  protractile;  lateral  line  complete;  dorsal  fin  low ;  teeth  small  4-4 ; 
alimentary  canal  about  as  long  as  body. 

To  this  genus  belong  2  species  which  are  known  only  from  the 
lakes  and  canals  near  the  City  of  Mexico. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  EVARRA. 

a.     Anal  fin  short,  with  about  7  rays;  scales  about  PAGE 

88  in  the  lateral  series eigenmanni  7  7 

aa.  Anal  fin  long,  with  14  rays;  scales  95  in  lateral 

series tlahuacensis  78 

71.  Evarra  eigenmanni  Woolman. 

Evarra  eigenmanni  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  64; 

City  of  Mexico:  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1896,  304:     Meek,  Field    Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  86; 

Tlahuac. 
Valley  of  Mexico. 


FIG.  23.    EVARRA  EIGENMANNI  Woolman. 

No.  45571,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 


78  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Head  4^";  depth  5^;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  17-88-10.  Body  elon- 
gate, subterete;  head  small;  the  snout  bluntish,  3^  in  head;  inter- 
orbital  area  broad  and  flattish;  mouth  small,  the  maxillary  not 
reaching  vertical  from  eye;  lips  somewhat  thickened;  lateral  line 
decurved  anteriorly,  complete;  fins  all  very  small;  dorsal  inserted 
slightly  behind  origin  of  ventrals. 

Color  olivaceous,  silvery  below;  sides  with  a  faint  plumbeous 
lateral  band,  ending  in  a  small  caudal  spot;  a  dark  dorsal  stripe; 
fins  all  plain.  Length  about  3  inches. 

72.  Evarra  tlahuacensis  Meek. 

Evarra  tlahuacensis    Meek,  Field  Col.   Mus.   Pub.   65,   1902,  85; 

Tlahuac. 
Valley  of  Mexico. 


FIG.  24.    EVARRA  TLAHUACENSIS  Meek. 

No.  3681,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


Head  4;  depth  5^;  D.  8;  A.  14;  scales  95.  Body  elongate,  rather 
slender;  snout  blunt,  its  length  3^  in  head;  upper  jaw  protractile; 
teeth  4-4,  tips  hooked,  grinding  surface  fairly  developed;  mouth 
little,  oblique,  tip  of  maxillary  reaching  margin  of  orbit;  diameter 
of  eye  3^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midw.ay  between  base  of 
caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  eye;  about  38  scales  in  a  series  before 
dorsal  fin;  first  dorsal  ray  reaching  beyond  tip  of  the  last  ray,  when 
the  fin  is  defiexed;  lateral  line  complete,  decurved  above  the  pec- 
torals; gill  membranes  connected  to  isthmus;  peritoneum  black; 
the  length  of  the  alimentary  canal  equals  distance  from  eye  to  tip 
of  caudal  fin. 

Color  dark  olive,  white  below,  the  line  between  the  colors  very 
distinct  and  extending  from  below  eye  to  one-quarter  distance. from 
ventral  surface  of  caudal  peduncle;  a  dark  vertebral  and  a  dark 
lateral  band.  Length  about  2%  inches. 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^.  79 

3O.     Khiiiichthys  Agassiz. 

BLACK-NOSED  DACE. 
Rhinichthys  Agassiz,  Lake  Superior,  353,  1850.     (Type,  Cyprinus 

atronasus  Mitchill.) 

Body  elongate,  not  .much  compressed;  mouth  small,  subinferior; 
the  upper  jaw  not  protractile;  the  upper  lip  continuous  with  the 
skin  of  the  forehead,  forming  a  very  broad  frenum;  a  small  barbel 
on  end  of  maxillary;  scales  very  small;  lateral  line  complete;  teeth 
2,  4-4,  2  or  i,  hooked,  and  without  grinding  surface ;  intestinal  canal 
short.  Species  few,  inhabiting  springs  and  running  water. 

73.  Rhinichthys  simus  Garman.     SOUTHERN  DACE. 

Rhinichthys  simus  Garman,  Science  Observer,  1881,  61;  Coahuila: 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  307: 
Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.,  Pub.,  65,  1902,  86;  Santa  Rosalia. 

Tributaries  of  the  Rio  Grande  in  northern  Mexico.  (Monte- 
morelos:) 

Head  3$;  depth  4$;  D.  8;  A.  8;  scales  12-62-8.  Body  elongate, 
little  compressed;  head  depressed;  snout  blunt,  its  length  2^  in 
head;  mouth  inferior;  lips  thick;  eye  small,  5^"  in  head;  interorbital 
area  3^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal 
and  nostril;  pectoral  fin  large,  nearly,  reaching  ventrals,  its  length  i% 
in  head;  ventrals  i%  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked;  caudal  peduncle 
strong,  its  least  depth  2%  in  head;  lateral  line  complete,  nearly 
straight. 

Color  light  brownish;  young  with  a  dark  lateral  band  and  small 
caudal  spot,  disappearing  in  the  largest  specimens.  Length  about 
3  inches.  Spawning  time  the  last  of  May  and  early  in  June. 

31.     Agosia  Girard. 
Agosia  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.   Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  186.     (Type, 

Agosia  chrysogaster  Girard.) 
Apocope  Cope,  Hayden's   Geol.  Sur.  Mont.,  1871-4,  472.     (Type, 

Apocope  carringtoni  Cope.) 

Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed;  head  long;  snout  blunt; 
maxillary  with  a  terminal  barbel;  premaxillaries  protractile;  scales 
small,  60  to  90  in  the  lateral  series;  teeth  4-4,  i,  or  2,  4-4,  i  or  2 ;  intes- 
tinal canal  short.  A  genus  which  much  resembles  Rhinichthys. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  AGOSIA. 
a.     Teeth  i,  4-4,  i;  body  elongate,  its  depth  4^  PAGE 

in  the  body oscula       80 

aa.  Teeth  4-4,  body  rather  deep ,  its  depth  4  in  body .  .  chrysogaster       80 


8o  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

74.  Agosia  oscula   (Girard). 

Argyreus  osculus  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  186; 

Babocomori  Creek,  a  tributary  of  the  Rio  San  Pedro,  Arizona. 

Argyreus  notabilis  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  186; 

Rio  Santa  Cruz,  a  tributary  of  the  Gila,  Sonora:  Girard,  Mex. 

Bd.  Sur.,47,  pi.  xxvn,  figs.  5-8,  1859;  Rio  Santa  Cruz,  Sonora. 

Agosia  oscida  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1896,  309. 

Tributaries  of  the  Gila  River  in  Arizona  and  Sonora. 
Head  4;   depth  4^;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  18-89-15.     Body  rather 
elongate,  the    caudal   peduncle  stout;    snout    obtuse,  but  narrowed 
anteriorly,  not  overhanging  the  mouth;  maxillary  barbels  small;  eye 
small,  4  in  head. 

Color  dusky  olive  above ;  a  blackish  lateral  band ;  male  with  axils 
of  pectorals  and  ventrals  scarlet;  a  scarlet  patch  above  gill  openings 
and  one  on  side-  of  snout.  Length  about  3  inches. 

75.  Agosia  chrysogaster  Girard. 

Agosia  chrysogaster  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856, 
187;  Rio  Santa  Cruz,  Sonora  (Gila  Basin):  Girard,  Mex.  Bd. 
Sur.,  49,  pi.  xxvin,  figs.  5-8,  1859;  Rio  Santa  Cruz,  Sonora: 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  313: 
Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1896,  260;  Morse  Canon;  Rucker 
Canon,  Yaqui  Basin;  Hermosillo:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough , 
Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  148;  near  summit  of  Sierra 
Madre.  Chihuahua. 
Northern  Sonora  and  Chihuahua. 

Head  4;  depth  4;  D.  8;  A.  7;  scales  88.  Body  fusiform;  head 
rather  heavy;  snout  conical;  maxillary  barbel  small;  mouth  terminal, 
the  upper  jaw  the  longer;  maxillary  reaching  about  vertical  from 
outer  margin  of  orbit;  eye  small,  4  in  head;  fins  long. 

Color  dark  iron  gray  above,  sometimes  spotted;  a  darker  band 
of  same  along  the  side  above  lateral  line,  extending  from  end  of 
snout  to  middle  of  caudal;  males  with  the  belly  yellow  or  orange. 
Length  about  3  inches. 

32.     Hybopsis  Agassiz. 
HORNY  HEADS. 

Hybopsis  Agassiz,  Amer.  Jour.  Sci.  Arts,  1854,  358.  (Type, 
Hybopsis  gracilis  Agassiz  =  Rutilus  amblops  Rafinesque.) 

Yuriria  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  321. 
(Type,  Hudsonius  altus  Jordan.) 


FAMILY  V.     CYPRINID^E.  81 

Body  robust  or  elongate;  mouth  terminal  or  inferior,  with  a 
barbel  present  and  terminal  on  maxillary;  a  second  barbel  some- 
times present  on  each  side;  premaxillaries  protractile;  teeth  4-4  or 
i,  4-4,  i  or  o,  hooked,  with  narrow  grinding  surface;  scales  rather 
large,  35  to  60  in  the  lateral  line;  lateral  line  complete;  males  usually 
with  tubercles  on  snout  in  breeding  season,  and  sometimes  flushed 
with  red.  A  small  group  of  fishes  usually  inhabiting  river  channels. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  HYBOPSIS. 

a.     Body  slender,  5^  in,  in   length;  scales    36  in  PAGE 

the  lateral  series;  mouth  moderate,  inferior; 
the  snout  projecting  and  rather  pointed ;  color 
silvery,  everywhere  sprinkled  with  dark  dots astivalis  81 

aa.  Body  more  robust,  3%"  to  4^;  mouth  large 
oblique,  terminal,  the  lower  jaw  slightly  in- 
cluded; scales  45  in  the  lateral  line;  color  sil- 
very without  dark  dots altus  81 

76.  Hybopsis  sestivalis   (Girard). 

Gobio  (Estivalis  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1856,  189; 
Rio  San  Juan,  near  Cadereita,  Nuevo  Leon:  Girard,  Mex. 
Bd.  Sur.,  49,  pi.  LVII,  figs.  17-29,  1859;  Rio  San  Juan  near 
Cadereita,  Nuevo  Leon. 

Hybopsis  cestivalis  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  1894,  56; 
Rio  Grande,  El  Paso,  Texas:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  316. 

Northeastern  Mexico  north  to  the  upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio 
Grande  in  New  Mexico,  and  to  the  Arkansas  River  in  Arkansas. 
(San  Juan;  Linares.) 

Head  3^;  depth  $%;  D-  8;  A.  8;  scales  6-36-4.  Body  slender, 
with  long  caudal  peduncle,  the  back  scarcely  elevated;  head  long 
and  slender;  the  snout  much  projecting  and  rather  pointed;  mouth 
moderate,  inferior,  the  maxillary  reaching  posterior  nostril;  barbels 
long,  nearly  as  long  as  snout,  about  3  in  head;  each  maxillary  with 
single  barbel;  eye  small  4  to  4^  m  head;  fins  rather  long,  the  caudal 
deeply  forked,  its  lobes  subequal;  origin  of  dorsal  over  ventrals 
nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal. 

Color  silvery,  everywhere  sprinkled  with  small  black  dots;  fins 
plain.  Length  about  3  inches.  This  species  spawns  during  the  latter 
part  of  June. 

77.  Hybopsis  altus   (Jordan).     PESCADA  BLANCA. 

Hudsonius  altus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  301;  Lago 
deTupatara, Guanajuato:  Bean,  Proc.  U.S.  Nat.  Mus.  1896,322. 


82  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Hybopsis  altus  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  61; 
Rio  Lerma,  Salamanca,  Queretaro :  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 
47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  322:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S. 
Fish  Comm.,  1900,  125;  Rio  Verde;  Aguas  Calientes:  Pellegrin, 
Bull.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.  Paris,  1901,  205 ;  Estado  de  Jalisco:  Meek, 
Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  86;  Acambaro;  Celaya;  Aguas 
Calientes;  Lagos. 
Notropis  altus  B.  A.  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  539;  Rio 

Cuitzeo,  Michoacan. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 

Head  3^3  to  4;  depth  3^  to  4;  scales  9-46-4.  Body  rather 
elongate,  compressed,  back  elevated;  head  low,  rather  long;  snout 
bluntish;  mouth  terminal,  large;  end  of  maxillary  reaching  slightly 
beyond  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  orbit,  its  length  3 >£  in  head; 
snout  3^i  in  head;  jaws  equal;  teeth  4-4,  with  grinding  surface  and 
tips  slightly  hooked;  maxillary  barbel  rather  small;  eye  4^  in  head; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal; 
pectoral  fins  pointed,  i%  in  head;  ventrals  if-  in  head:  caudal  fin 
forked;  caudal  peduncle  strong,  its  least  depth  2%  in  head;  lateral 
line  complete,  slightly  decurved. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  lighter  below;  sides  above  lateral  line  with 
a  more  or  less  plumbeous  lateral  band;  no  caudal  spot.  Length  about 
10  inches. 

This  species  is  usually  found  in  clear  running  water.  It  is  quite 
abundant  in  the  upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Lerma,  from  which 
streams  only,  it  is  known.  Sexual  organs  of  specimens  taken  the  third 
week  of  May  not  developed.  Evidently  it  spawns  late  in  the  summer. 

33.     Couesius  Jordan. 

Couesius  Jordan,  Bull.  Hayden's  Geol.  Sur.  Terr.,  iv,  785,  1878. 
(Type,  Nocomis  milneri  Jordan.) 

Body  elongate;  head  normal,  not  depressed;  the  profile  convex; 
mouth  terminal,  normal;  a  well-developed  barbel  on  the  anterior 
side  of  the  maxillary,  just  above  its  tip;  teeth  2,  4-4,  2,  hooked,  with- 
out grinding  surface;  scales  rather  small;  lateral  line  complete. 

78.  Couesius  adustus  Woolman. 

Couesius  adustus  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  57;  Rio 
Conchos,  Chihuahua:  Jordan  &  Evermann,    Bull.  47,   U.   S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  325. 
Rio  Conchos  in  Chihuahua. 

Head  4% ',  depth  4^3 ;  D.  8 ;  A.  7 ;  scales  13-58-8.  Body  moderate- 
ly compressed,  the  back  little  elevated,  the  anterior  profile  rather 


FAM.  V.     CYPRINID^;.          FAM.  VI.     CHARACINID^E.  83 

convex;  snout  rather  long,  slightly  pointed;  its  length  3!  in  head; 
mouth  low,  terminal,  oblique;  the  jaws  subequal,  the  maxillary 
opposite  posterior  nostril;  barbel  evident  in  young,  inconspicuous 
in  the  adult,  its  position  not  quite  terminal;  interorbital  space  broad, 
flattish;  eye  3^  in  head;  preorbital  broad;  origin  of  dorsal  inserted 
over  or  a  little  behind  ventrals,  the  latter  reaching  to  vent. 

Color  olivaceous,  dusky  above;  sides  silvery;  a  narrow  plumbeous 
lateral  band  ending  in  a  small  caudal  spot  in  young  individuals;  fins 
all  plain.  Length  about  4  inches. 

This  species  is  known  only  from  the  type  locality. 

Subfamily  Plagopterinae. 
34.     Plagopterus  Cope. 

Plagopterus  Cope,  Proc.  Amer.  Phil.  Soc.  Phila.,  1874,  301.  (Type, 
Plagopterus  argentissimus  Cope.) 

Body  slender;  mouth  terminal;  a  barbel  at  the  extremity  of  the 
maxillary;  teeth  2,  5-4,  2,  hooked,  without  grinding  surface;  body 
without  scales;  dorsal  fin  short,  posterior,  with  a  strong  spine 
composed  of  2  spines,  the  posterior  one  being  received  into  a  longi- 
tudinal groove  of  the  anterior;  inner  border  of  ventral  fins  adherent 
to  the  body. 

79.   Plagopterus  argentissimus  Cope. 

Plagopterus  argentissimus  Cope,   Proc.   Amer.    Phil.   Soc.    Phila., 
1874,  130;  San  Luis  Valley,  Colorado:    Jordan  &  Evermarin, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  329:  Gilbert  &  Scofield,  Proc. 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  496;  mouth  of  Rio  Gila  at  Yuma. 
Colorado  River  Basin  in  Colorado  to  Ft.  Yuma,  Arizona. 
Head  4;   depth  6;   D.  n,  7;  A.   10.     Body  slender;  head  rather 
broad,  the  muzzle  slightly  depressed,  overhanging  the  rather  small, 
horizontal  mouth;  lips  thin;  maxillary  reaching  front  of  eye;  eye 
moderate,  4^  in  head;   dorsal   fin  entirely  behind  ventrals,  the  first 
spine  curved,  longer  than  the  second;  soft  rays  of  dorsal  thickened, 
ossified  at  base;  lateral  line  complete,  slightly  deflexed. 

Color  silvery;  back  dusky,  with  minute  black  dots.  Length  about 
2%  inches.  A  singular  little  fish. 

Family  VI.     Cliaracinidse. 

THE  CHARACINS. 

Body  usually  rather  elongate,  compressed  and  covered  with  cycloid 
scales;  head  naked;  margin  of  the  upper  jaw  formed  mesially  by 
the  premaxillaries  and  laterally  by  the  maxillaries;  no  barbels ;  pre- 


84  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

maxillaries  protractile;  teeth  various,  often  incisor-like,  often  wanting; 
branchiostegals  usually  3;  gill  membranes  united  to  the  isthmus  or 
not;  no  pseudobranchiae;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth;  lower 
pharyngeals  more  or  less  curved,  armed  with  small,  sometimes  villi- 
form,  teeth ;  adipose  fin  present  (occasionally  wanting) ;  air  bladder 
transversely  divided  into  two  portions;  anterior  vertebrae  coalesced 
and  modified. 

A  large  family  of  fishes  inhabiting  the  fresh  waters  of  South 
America  and  Africa.  A  few  species  inhabit  the  streams  of  southern 
Mexico,  ranging  as  far  north  as  the  United  States.  All  of  the  mem- 
bers of  this  family  in  Mexico  are  small,  none  reaching  a  length  of 
over  six  inches. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  CHARACINID/E. 

a.  Scales  large,  less  than  50  in  the  lateral  series;  PAGE 

anal  fin  short,  with  less  than  35  rays, 
b.     Anterior  teeth  strong,  incisor-like;  premax- 
'    illary  teeth  in  a  double  series,  those  on  man- 
dible in  a  single  series;   less  than  40  scales 
in  the  lateral  series ;  lateral  line  complete .  .  Tetragonopterus       84 
bb.  Anterior  teeth  weaker,  more  or  less  conical 
and  with  lateral  cusps;  more  than  40  scales 
in  the  lateral  series;  lateral  line  incomplete. Hemigrammus       87 
aa.  Scales  small,  more  than  60  in  the  lateral  series; 

anal  fin  long,  with  more  than  40  rays Rceboides       88 

Subfamily  Tetragonopterinae. 
35.     Tetragonopterus  Cuvier. 

Tetragonopterus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  i,  Vol.  n,  166,  1817. 
(Type,  Tetragonopterus  argenteus  Cuvier.) 

Astyanax  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1854,  26. 
(Type,  Astyanax  argentatus  Baird  &  fiirard.) 

Body  oblong  or  elevated,  compressed,  covered  with  moderate 
scales;  belly  rounded;  mouth  rather  small;  anterior  teeth  strong, 
incisor-like;  lateral  teeth  small;  premaxillary  and  mandibular  teeth 
about  equal  in  size,  with  a  compressed,  notched  crown,  the  former 
in  a  double,  the  latter  in  a  single  series;  nostrils  of  each  side  close 
together,  separated  by  a  valve  only;  lower  pharyngeals  very  slender, 
curved,  armed  with  a  single  series  of  slender,  hooked  teeth;  gill 
openings  wide;  gill  membranes  not  connected,  free  from  the  isthmus; 
origin  of  the  dorsal  fin  about  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base 
of  caudal. 


FAMILY  VI.     CHARACINID^E.  85 

The  species  of  this  genus,  which  inhabit  the  streams  of  Mexico, 
are  extremely  variable.  In  the  collections  studied  by  me,  I  am 
unable  to  recognize  more  than  two  species. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  TETRAGONOPTERUS. 

a.     Anal  fin  short,  its  rays  18  to  23 mexicanus       85 

aa.  Anal  fin  longer,  its  rays  24  to  27 aneus       86 

80.  Tetragonopterus  mexicanus  Filippi. 

Tetragonopterus  mexicanus  Filippi,  Guerins  Rev.  Mag.  Zool.,  1853, 
1 66;  Mexico:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  335:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900, 
125;  Rio  Ixtla,  Puente  de  Ixtla,  Morelos:  Meek,  Field  Col. 
Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  86;  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas;  Cuicatlan; 
Venta  Salada. 

Astyanax  argentatus  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
1854,  27;  Comanche  Spring  and  Brownsville,  Texas:  Girard, 
Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  74,  pi.  vin,  figs.  5-9,  1859;  mouth  of  the  Rio 
Grande:  Giinther,  Cat.,  v,  380,  1864:  Garman,  Bull.  Mus. 
Comp.  Zool.,  1881,  92;  tributaries  of  Lago  del  Muerto  and 
spring  near  Monclova. 

Tetragonopterus  fulgens  Bocourt,  Ann.  Sci.  Nat.  Zool.,  ix,  1868, 
62;  Province  of  Cuernavaca:  Vaillant  &  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus. 
Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1904,  325;  Cuernavaca. 

Tetragonopterus  argentatus  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1894,  60;  Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S. 
Fish  Comm.,  1900,  125;  Rio  Verde,  near  Rascon,  San  Luis 
Potosi;  Rio  Tamesin,  Tampico:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub. 
65,  1902,  86;  Chihuahua;  Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez. 
Tetragonopterus  nitidus  Vaillant  &  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat. 

Paris,  1904,  324;  Cuernavaca. 

Rio  Balsas  and  Rio  Tehuacan  to  the  Rio  Grande.  (Lerdo ;  Santiago 
Papasquiaro;  Monterey;  San  Juan;  Montemorelos ;  Linares;  Garza 
Valdez ;  La  Cruz ;  Santa  Engracia ;  Victoria ;  Rio  Verde ;  Forlon ; Valles 
Rascon;  Cuautla;  Yautepec;  Jojutla;  Atlixco;  Matamoras;  Chietla.) 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  2%"  to  3;  D.  9  or  10;  A.  20  to  23;  scales 
8-34  to  37-6.  Body  elongate,  compressed,  the  dorsal  and  ventral 
outlines  similar;  head  rather  small;  snout  bluntish;  mouth  terminal, 
small ;  the  free  straight  portion  of  the  maxillary  3  X  m  head ;  snout 
3  to  3^;  eye  3  to  3^!  origin  of  dorsal  fin  about  midway  between 
tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal  fin  (in  most  specimens  nearer  tip  of 
snout);  base  of  dorsal  i>£  in  its  longest  ray,  2  in  head;  pectorals 


86  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

nearly  or  quite  reaching  ventrals,  i^  in  head;  ventrals  to  vent,  i^ 
in  head ;  base  of  anal  equals  the  length  of  the  head ;  origin  of  adipose 
fin  over  the  last  ray  of  the  anal;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  equal; 
least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2%  in  head;  lateral  line  complete, 
nearly  straight;  gill  rakers  short,  rather  slender,  about  17  on  the  first 
gill  arch;  vertebrae  16  +  17=33. 

Color  light  olivaceous  above,  silvery  below;  a  broad  bluish  silvery 
band  becoming  darker  posteriorly  from  upper  edge  of  gill  opening  to 
base  of  caudal  fin ;  an  oblong  black  caudal  spot  extending  on  the  mid- 
dle rays  of  caudal  fin ;  a  dark  humeral  blotch.  Length  about  4  inches. 

This  species  is  very  abundant  and  variable.  Specimens  from  the 
Rio  Nazas,  the  upper  waters  of  the  Rio  Conchos  and  from  the  Rio 
Panuco  average  a  little  deeper  than  those  from  the  other  localities. 
Those  found  in  streams  where  vegetation  is  the  most  abundant  are 
the  darker  in  color.  The  females  are  full  of  eggs,  indicating  that 
the  spawning  season  is  the  latter  part  of  May  and  early  in  June. 
Eggs  small,  the  diameter  of  each  .035  inch. 

81.  Tetragonopterus  aeneus  Giinther. 

Tetragonopterus  ceneus  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1860, 
319;  Oaxaca,  Mexico:  Gunther  Cat.,  v,  326,  1864;  Oaxaca: 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  333. 

Tetragonopterus  oaxacanensis  Bocourt,  Ann.  Sci.  Nat.  Zool.,  ix, 
1868,  62;  Oaxaca. 

Lowland  streams  south  of  the  city  of  Vera  Cruz  and  of  the  Rio 
Balsas.  (Otopa;  Cordoba;  Motzorongo;  Refugio;  El  Hule;  Obispo; 
Perez;  Sanborn;  San  Juan  Evangelista;  San  Geronimo;  Tehuantepec.) 
Head  3^  to  4;  depth  2%  to  3;  D.  10;  A.  24  to  27;  scales  8  or  9,35 
to  38-6.  Body  elongate,  or  rather  deep,  compressed;  head  short; 
mouth  small;  in  some  of  the  larger  specimens  the  outer  cusps  of  the 
upper  teeth  protrude  through  the  skin  of  the  upper  lip;  snout  short, 
blunt,  4  in  head;  eye  2f ;  maxillary  rather  slender,  its  posterior  por- 
tion nearly  vertical  and  about  ^  diameter  of  the  eye;  no  teeth  on 
maxillary;  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and 
base  of  caudal,  or  slightly  near  the  snout;  longest  dorsal  ray  slightly 
longer  than  the  head;  tip  of  pectorals  reaching  ventrals;  pectoral  i£ 
in  head;  tips  of  ventrals  not  quite  reaching  anal;  lateral  line  complete, 
slightly  decurved;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  a  silvery  band  on  sides,  ending  in  an  oblong 
caudal  spot  extending  on  middle  rays  of  the  caudal  fin ;  this  band 
is  darker  in  dark  colored  specimens;  a  black  humeral  spot  with  trace 
of  a  second  one  behind  it.  Length  about  4  inches.  Streams  south  of 
Cordoba  and  south  of  the  Rio  Balsas. 


FAMILY  VI.     CHARACINID^.  87 

In  form  this  species  is  very  variable,  usually  the  deeper  specimens 
are  more  compressed  than  the  more  elongate  ones.  The  darker  speci- 
mens are  from  Refugio  and  Motzorongo,  the  lighter  from  San  Juan 
Evangelista.  The  former  were  taken  in  a  shady  stream,  the  latter 
on  the  edge  of  a  sand-bar.  This  species  is  very  abundant  in  the 
lower  portions  of  all  streams  examined  by  me  south  of  Vera  Cruz. 

36.     Hemigrammus  Gill. 

Hemigrammus  Gill,  Ann.  N.Y.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.,  1858,420.    (Type, 
Hemigrammus  unilineatus  Gill.) 

Body  elongate,  much  compressed;  belly  before  ventrals  rounded; 
head  moderate;  snout  pointed;  teeth  in  both  jaws  uniserial,  pointed, 
with  one  to  three  cusps ;  teeth  on  maxillary  0-5 ;  gill  membranes  not 
connected,  free  from  the  isthmus;  gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  nu- 
merous; lateral  line  incomplete. 

82.  Hemigrammus  compressus  sp.   nov. 

Type,  No.  4641,  F.  C.  M.,  i^i  inches  in  length;  El  Hule,  Oaxaca. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Papaloapam.     (El  Hule;  Obispo.) 


FIG.  25.    HEMIGRAMMUS  COMPRESSUS  Meek. 

Head  z^A',  depth  2^;  D.  u;  A.  25  or  27;  scales  45  to  48.  Body 
deep,  much  compressed;  ventral  region  rounded  before  and  behind 
ventrals;  mouth  moderate;  maxillary  slender,  its  tip  reaching  vertical 
from  pupil,  its  length  2%  in  head;  teeth  in  jaws  in  one  series,  con- 
ical; snout  short,  its  length  slightly  more  than  yz  diameter  of  eye; 
dorsal  fin  high,  its  longest  ray  slightly  more  than  length  of  head, 
its  base  i^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin -midway  between  base 
of  caudal  fin  and  anterior  margin  of  eye;  pectorals  i^  in  the  head, 
their  tips  reaching  slightly  past  base  of  ventrals ;  ventral  fins  slightly 
shorter  than  pectorals;  caudal  peduncle  very  slender,  its  least  depth 


88  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM— ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

3  in  base  of  anal  fin;  base  of  anal  fin  3^  in  body;  anal  fin  falcate,  its 
longest  rays  equaling  the  length  of  the  head;  the  lateral  line  incom- 
plete, on  4  to  10  anterior  scales;  caudal  fin  widely  forked. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  body  and  fins  sprinkled  with  black  dots, 
being  more  numerous  on  dorsal  region  and  region  near  anal  fin;  basal 
half  of  anterior  dorsal  rays  black;  anal  fin  with  many  dark  dots.  The 
largest  specimen  obtained  is  1.75  inches  in  length. 

Subfamily  Characinse. 
37.     Rceboides  Giinther. 

Rceboides  Giinther,  Cat.,  v,  347,  1864.  (Type,  Epicyrtus  microlepis 
Rheinhardt.) 

Body  oblong,  rather  elevated,  covered  with  small  scales;  belly 
rounded  in  front  of  ventrals ;  pectoral  and  ventral  fins  near  each  other ; 
humerus  dilated  or  produced  into  a  process  before  pectoral  fin ;  mouth 
wide,  with  conical  .teeth  in  the  premaxillary,  maxillary,  and  mandible; 
those  on  the  mandible  uniserial,  on  the  upper  jaw  uniserial  or  biserial; 
front  of  jaws  with  short,  conical,  tooth-like  processes  directed  forward; 
no  teeth  on  palate;  nostrils  close  together,  separated  by  a  membrane 
only;  gill  openings  wide,  the  membranes  separate  and  free  from  the 
isthmus;  gill  rakers  slender „  lanceolate;  adipose  fin  present;  verte- 
brae i2-f  22  =34. 

83.  Roeboides  guatemalensis  (Giinther). 

Anacyrtus  guatemalensis  Giinther,  Cat.,  v,  347,  1864;  Rio  Chagres; 
Huamuchal:  Giinther,  Fishes  Cent.  Amer.,  479,  pi.  82,  fig. 
4,  1869;  Huamuchal. 

Rceboides  guatemalensis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  338. 

Rivers  of  the  Pacific  slope  of  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec  and  Cen- 
tral America.  (San  Geronimo.) 

Head  3^;  depth  3;  D.  9;  A.  50;  scales  86.  Body  elongate,  profile 
rather  gibbous  at  the  nape;  head  small,  subconical;  mouth  large; 
maxillary  long  and  slender,  its  tips  reaching  vertical  from  posterior 
margin  of  the  pupil,  its  length  z£  in  head;  snout  equaling  diameter  of 
eye,  3^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than 
base  of  caudal  fin;  ventrals  long  and  slender,  i£  in  head,  their  tips 
reaching  anal ;  ventrals  i  y$  in  head ;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked ;  lateral 
line  straight,  complete. 

Color  olivaceous;  sides  with  a  silvery  band;  a  faint"  dark  blotch 
above  lateral  line  over  middle  of  pectoral ;  a  larger  blotch  below  lateral 
line  above  origin  of  anal;  a  faint  caudal  blotch;  no  markings  on  the 
fins.  Length  about  3  inches. 

One  specimen  3  inches  in  length  was  taken  by  me  at  San  Geronimo. 


Order  v.    Symbranchia. 

THE  SYMBRANCHOID  EELS. 

Body  eel-shaped;  premaxillary,  maxillary,  and  palatine  bones 
well  developed  and  distinct  from  each  other;  no  paired  fins;  vertical 
fins  rudimentary,  reduced  to  folds  of  the  skin;  gill  openings  confluent 
in  a  single  slit;  no  air  bladder;  vertebrae  numerous,  the  anterior  ones 
not  modified. 

Family  VII.     Symbrancliidre. 

THE  SYMBRANCHOID  EELS. 

Body  eel-shaped,  naked,  the  abdomen  very  long,  longer  than  the 
tail;  snout  short;  eyes  small,  anterior;  teeth  small;  palatine  teeth  in  a 
band;  gill  openings  confluent  in  a  narrow  slit;  4  gill  arches;  gills 
well  developed ;  gill  membranes  free  from  the  isthmus ;  no  accessory 
breathing  sac ;  shoulder  girdle  attached  to  the  skull  by  a  well-developed 
bifurcate  post-temporal. 

38.     Symbraiiclms  Bloch. 

Symbranchus  Bloch,  Ichthyologia,  ix,  87;  1795.  (Type,  Symbranchus 

marmoratus  Bloch.) 
The  description  of  the  genus  is  included  in  that  of  the  family. 

84.  Symbranchus  marmoratus  Bloch. 

Symbranchus  marmoratus  Bloch.  Ichth.,  ix,  87,  pi.  418,  1795  ;  Trop- 
ical America:  Gunther,  Cat.,  vm,  15,  1870;  Mexico;  Vera  Cruz: 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  342:  B. 
A.  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  539;  Santa  Maria. 
Tropical  streams  from  Vera  Cruz  to  the  Amazon. 
Body  elongate;  snout  short,  rounded  or  pointed;  eyes  small,  rather 
close  to  the  end  of  the  snout;  gill  opening  narrow,  not  extending  to  the 
edge  of  the  ventral  surface,  generally  transverse,  arched,  frequently 
appearing  as  a  longitudinal  slit  unless  drawn  out;  vertebras  79  +  57  = 
136. 

Color  brownish,  variously  marbled,  sometimes  immaculate. 
Length  3  to  5  feet. 


Order  VI.     Apodes, 

THE  EELS. 

Body  eel-shaped;  premaxillaries  atrophied  or  lost,  the  maxillaries 
lateral;  vertebras  numerous,  no  to  250,  the  anterior  ones  not  mod- 
jfied;  no  ventral  fins;  tail  isocercal;  gill  openings  comparatively 
small,  lateral.  To  this  order  belong  the  larger  number  of  our  eel- 
like  fishes. 

Family  VIII.     Angiiillidre. 

Body  elongate,  eel-shaped;  skin  covered  with  rudimentary  em- 
bedded scales,  usually  linear  in  form,  arranged  in  small  groups,  and 
placed  obliquely  at  right  angles  to  those  of  neighboring  groups;  pec- 
toral-and  vertical  fins  well  developed,  the  latter  confluent  around  the 
tail;  gill  openings  lateral  and  vertical;  teeth  in  cardiform  bands  on 
jaws  and  vomer. 

39.     Aiiguilla  Shaw. 
COMMON  EEL;  ANGUILLA. 

Anguilla  Shaw,  General  Zoology,  iv,  15,  1804.  (Type,  Murczna 
anguilla  Linnaeus.) 

Body  elongate,  compressed  posteriorly;  head  long,  conical,  moder- 
ately pointed,  the  rather  small  eye  well  forward  and  over  the  angle  of 
the  mouth;  teeth  small,  subequal  in  bands  on  each  jaw  and  a  long 
patch  on  the  vomer;  lower  jaw  the  longer;  gill  openings  rather  small, 
slit-like,  and  partly  below  pectorals;  lateral  line  well  developed;  nos- 
trils well  separated,  the  anterior  with  a  slight  tube;  dorsal  fin  con- 
fluent with  anal  around  tail ;  pectorals  well  developed. 

85.    Anguilla    chrysypa    Rafinesque.      COMMON     EEL;     ANGUILLA; 

FRESH-WATER  EEL. 

Anguilla.  chrysypa  Rafinesque,  Amer.  Mon.  Mag.  &  Crit.   Rev., 
1817,    120;    Lake    George;    Hudson    River;   Lake   Champlain: 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  348. 
Anguilla  tyrannus  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  75,  pi.  XL,  1859;  Mata- 

moras;  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande. 

This  species  is  quite  abundant  in  all  streams  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains  from  Canada  to  Tampico;  it  is  also  common  in  salt  and 
brackish  water  along  the  adjacent  coasts,  and  in  the  West  Indies. 
(San  Juan.) 

90 


FAMILY  VIII.     ANGUILLID^E.  91 

Head  2  to  2^  in  trunk;  the  fin  rays  and  scales  very  numerous. 
Body  elongate,  rather  robust;  distance  from  origin  of  dorsal  to  vent 
i  %  to  2  in  head. 

Color  brown  above,  nearly  plain,  often  tinged  with  yellowish,  paler 
below,  the  color  very  variable.  Length  4  to  5  feet. 

This  species  is  apparently  abundant  in  the  streams  of  Mexico 
north  of  Tampico.  Two  specimens  were  taken  by  me  in  the  river  at 
San  Juan. 


Order  vii.    Isospondyli. 

THE  ISOSPONDYLOUS  FISHES. 

Anterior  vertebrae  simple;  opercular  bones  distinct;  ^haryngeal 
bones  not  falciform;  jaws  well  developed,  the  maxillary  broad,  always 
distinct  from  premaxillary,  and  forming  part  of  margin  of  upper  jaw; 
no  barbels ;  gills  4 ;  ventral  fins  abdominal. 

KEY  TO  THE  FAMILIES  OF  ISOSPONDYLI. 

a.     Adipose  fin  none;  no  lateral  line;  ventral  sur-  PAGE 

face  compressed  to  an  edge  which  is  armed 

with  bony   serratures;   stomach   short,   mus-  . 

cular,  like  the  gizzard  of  a  fowl;  last  ray  of 

dorsal  fin  produced  into  a  filament Dorosomatida       92 

aa.  Adipose  fin  present;  lateral  line  present;  ven- 
tral surface  rounded;  stomach  siphonal,  not 

gizzard-like ;  last  ray  of  dorsal  fin  not  produced 

into  a  filament Salmonidcc       95 

Family  IX.    DorosomatidaB. 

THE  GIZZARD  SHADS. 

Body  short  and  deep,  strongly  compressed,  covered  with  thin 
deciduous  cycloid  scales ;  belly  compressed  to  an  edge  which  is  armed 
with  bony  serratures;  head  rather  small,  without  scales;  no  lateral 
line;  gill  membranes  not  united,  free  from  the  isthmus;  pseudo- 
branchia  large;  dorsal  fin  short,  its  last  ray  produced  into  a  long  fila- 
ment; anal  fin  long  and  low;  stomach  short,  muscular,  like  the 
gizzard  of  a  fowl.  Mud-eating  fishes  of  warm  regions. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  DOROSOMATID^E. 

a.     Maxillary  short,  in  two  pieces,  with  ,a  notch  PAGE 

on    outer    margin Dorosoma  9  2 

aa.  Maxillary  long,  curved,  in  three  pieces,  and 

without  a  notch  on  its  outer  margin Signalosa  94 

4O.     Dorosoma  Rafinesque. 
THE  GIZZARD  SHADS. 

Dorosoma  Rafinesque,  Ichth.  Ohiensis,  39,  1820.    (Type,  Dorosoma 

noiata  Rafinesque  =  Megalops  cepedianum  Le  Sueur.) 
Body  short,  deep,  and  strongly  compressed;  dorsal  and  ventral 
outlines  similar;  head  rather  small;  snout  blunt,  overlapping  the  small 

92 


FAMILY  IX.     DOROSOMATID^;.  ~  93 

inferior  oblique  mouth;  maxillary  narrow  and  short,  with  a  single 
supplemental  bone,  not  extending  to  opposite  middle  of  the  eye; 
maxillary  with  a  notch  on  outer  margin;  caudal  peduncle  slender. 
Mud-eating  fishes,  having  no  value  as  food. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  DOROSOMA. 

a.     Scales  small,  69  to  73  in  lateral  series;  anal  .PAGE 

rays  36  to  38 ".....  anale       93 

aa.  Scales  larger,  56  to  60  in  lateral  series;  anal 

rays    30    to    34 exile       94 

86.  Dorosoma  anale  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4637,  F.  C.  M.,  7^  inches  in  length;  El  Hule,  Oaxaca. 

Atlantic  streams  of  Mexico  south  of  the  city  of  Vera  Cruz.  (Otopa; 
El  Hule;  Perez;  San  Juan  Evangelista.) 

Head  3^  to  4>(;  depth  2^  to  3;  D.  12;  A.  36  to  38;  scales  25-69 


FIG.  26.    DOROSOMA  ANALE  Meek. 

to  73.  Body  much  compressed,  deep,  profile  with  a  slight  angle  at  nape ; 
dorsal  region  elevated;  eye  large  with  a  well-developed  adipose  eyelid, 
its  diameter  3^  in  head;  snout  very  short,  its  length. about  one-half 
diameter  of  eye ;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base 
of  caudal;  ventral  scutes  i8-f-io;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2f. 

Color  brownish  on  upper  third  of  body,  light  silvery  below;  a 
black  spot  on  shoulder;  fins  all  plain.  Length  about  12  inches. 

All  of  the  specimens  collected  by.  me  have  a  long  anal  fin.  The 
specimen  recorded  from  Montecristo  by  Evermann  &  Goldsborough 
Dr.  Evermann  informs  me  has  32  rays  in  the  anal  fin.  The  smaller 
scales  of  this  species  readily  distinguishes  it  from  the  next  one. 


94  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

87.  Dorosoma  exile  Jordan    &    Gilbert.     GIZZARD    SHAD;    HICKORY 

SHAD. 

Dorosoma  cepedianum  exile  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1882,  585;  Galveston,  Texas:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 
47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  416. 

Dorosoma  mexicanum  B.  A.  Bean,  Proc.  US.  Nat.  Mus.,  1899, 
539;  Lago  de  Cademaco,  south  of  Vera  Cruz:  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann, Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  416:  Meek,  Field  Col. 
Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  87;  La  Antigua. 

Lowland  streams  which  flow  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  north  of  the 
city  of  Vera  Cruz.  (San  Juan;  Forlon;  Valles.) 

Head  4%',  depth  2^  to  3;  D.  12;  A.  30  to  34;  scales  29-56  to  60. 
Body  deep,  compressed,  the  back  elevated;  ventral  scutes  i8-f-n; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  opposite  tips  of 
last  anal  ray;  dorsal  fin  slightly  behind  ventrals,  its  filamentous  ray 
about  as  long  as  head ;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2f  m  head. 

Color  bluish  brown  above,  silvery  below;  a  black  spot  on  the 
shoulder.  Length  about  1 2  inches. 

41.     Signalosa  Evermann  &  Kendall. 

Signalosa  Evermann  &  Kendall,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1897 
(Feb.  9,  1898)  127.  (Type,  Signalosa  atchafalayce  Evermann  & 
Kendall —Chatoessus  mexicanus  Giinther.) 

Body  short,  deep  and  compressed,  the  form  somewhat  elliptical; 
ventral  outline  more  strongly  curved  than  the  dorsal;  mouth  small, 
terminal,  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  scarcely  included;  maxillary  in  three 
pieces,  broad  and  curved  and  without  notch  in  outer  margin;  bran- 
chiostegals  5;  pseudobranchiae  large;  gill  rakers  short  and  very  nu- 
merous, about  340  in  number ;  no  teeth ;  adipose  eyelid  present ;  last  ray 
of  dorsal  filamentous. 

88.  Signalosa  mexicana   (Giinther). 

Chatoessus  mexicanus  Gunther,  Cat.,  vn,  409,  1868;  Mexico  and 

Central  America. 
Dorosoma  mexicanum  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1896,  416. 
Signalosa  atchafalaya  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1898,  2809. 

Louisiana  to  Central  America,  in  lowland  streams  which  empty 
into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  (Valles;  Obispo;  El  Hule;  Perez.) 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  2^  to  3;  D.  n  or  12;  A.  24  to  26;  scales 
15-42.  Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  mouth  terminal,  rather  large; 
no  teeth ;  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  pupil, 


FAMILY  X.    SALMONID^;.  95 

its  length  3  £  to  3  £  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip 
of  snout  and  tip  of  last  anal  ray ;  last  ray  of  dorsal  3  in  body ;  pectoral 
1^3  in  head,  reaching  base  of  ventrals;  ventrals'  23^;  base  of  anal  fin 
equaling  length  of  head;  scutes  well  developed,  15  or  16  +  9;  scales 
large,  thin,  deciduous;  caudal  fin  forked;  least  depth  of  caudal  pedun- 
cle 2>^  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  light  silvery  below,  the  opercles  and  ad- 
joining region  with  considerable  yellowish;  a  black  humeral  spot;  fins 
all  plain.  Length  about  6  inches. 

Mr.  C.  Tate  Regan,  of  the  British  Museum,  has  kindly  reexamined 
the  types  of  Chatoessus  mexicanus  Giinther,  and  he  informs  me  that 
Signalosa  atchajalayce  Evermann  &  Kendall  is  the  same  species. 

Family  X.     Sal  HI  on  Ida". 

THE  SALMON  FAMILY. 

Body  elongate,  covered  with  cycloid  scales;  head  naked;  mouth 
terminal,  large  or  small,  the  maxillary  forming  its  lateral  margin; 
maxillary  with  a  supplemental  bone;  premaxillaries  not  protractile; 
teeth  various,  sometimes  wanting;  pseudobranchiae  present;  gill 
membranes  not  connected,  free  from  the  isthmus;  branchiostegals 
10  to  20;  no  barbels;  dorsal  fin  small,  placed  near  the  middle  of  the 
body,  its  rays  9  to  15;  adipose  fin  present;  caudal  fin  forked;  lateral 
line  present;  abdomen  rounded  in  outline;  air  bladder  large;  stomach 
siphonal;  pyloric  cceca  numerous;  ova  large,  falling  into  cavity  of  the 
body  before  exclusion. 

The  fishes  which  belong  to  this  family  are  confined  to  the  northern 
regions,  one  species  ranging  as  far  south  as  Durango. 

'Subfamily  Salmoninae. 
4:2.     Salmo  (Artedi)   Linnaeus. 

SALMON  AND  TROUT. 
Salmo  (Artedi,  Genera  Piscium)  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  x,  302, 

1758.     (Type,  Salmo  salar  Linnaeus.) 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  mouth  large;  jaws,  pala- 
tines, and  tongue  toothed;  vomer  flat,  its  shaft  not  depressed,  a  fewv 
teeth  on  chevron  of  the  vomer,  behind  which  is  a  somewhat  irregular 
single  or  double  series  of  teeth  (in  migratory  forms  deciduous  with 
age);  scales  small,  more  than  100  in  the  lateral  series;  dorsal  and 
anal  fins  short,  of  10  to  12*  rays  each;  sides  and  median  fins  black 
spotted. 

The  species  of  this  genus  are  confined  to  the  colder  portions  of  the 
northern  hemisphere.  Of  the  three  species  on  the  Atlantic  side  of 


96.  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

North  America,  one  Salmo  salar  Linnaeus  is  anadromous,  while  the 
other  two,  Salmo  scbago  Girard  and  Salmo  ouananiche  McCarthy,  are 
land-locked ;  those  in  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  western  streams  with 
few  exceptions  remain  in  fresh  water,  the  exceptions  comprise  a  few 
species  which  usually  inhabit  the  streams  near  the  sea,  and  which 
spend  a  portion  of  their  time  in  salt  water.  All  of  the  species  are 
very  variable  and  difficult  to  distinguish.  '  The  almost  infinite  varia- 
tions of  these  fishes  are  dependent  on  age,  sex,  sexual  development, 
food,  and  the  properties  of  the  water."  The  young  are  barred. 
The  size  of  these  fishes  seems  to  depend  largely  on  the  extent  of 
water  and  the  abundance  of  food.  The  water  also  has  a  marked 
influence  on  colors.  Trout  found  in  shaded  streams  with  clear  rapid 
water  are  brightly  colored,  and  profusely  spotted  with  black;  those 
which  spend  considerable  time  in  brackish  or  salt  water  are  silvery 
and  with  few  or  no  spots. 

89.  Salmo  irideus  Gibbons.     RAINBOW  TROUT. 

Salmo  irideus  Gibbons,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1855,  36;  San  Leandro 
Creek,  Alameda  Co.,  California:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 
47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  500. 

Headwaters  of  Pacific  coast  streams  of  Durango  north  to  Wash- 
ington. 

Head  4;  depth  3^3 ;  D.  10;  A.  9;  scales  135.  Body  rather  robust; 
head  moderate;  mouth  large;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of 
eye,  its  length  2%  in  head;  diameter  of  eye  3?;  length  of  mandible 
if;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  .slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of 
caudal ;  length  of  pectoral  i  ^  in  head ;  ventral  i  •? ;  least  depth  of 
caudal  peduncle  2^  in  head;  branchiostegals  10. 

Color  olive  brown,  darker  above;  sides  with  a  few  scattered  dark 
blotches;  a  few  small  black  spots  on  upper  and  posterior •  part  of 
caudal  peduncle;  dorsal  fin  with  black  spots,  none  on  other  fins;  basal 
YT,  of  anal  dark;  ventrals  with  a  dark  shade;  specimens  3  inches  in 
length  with  9  or  10  pale  marks  on  the  side,  the  dorsal  fin  black  spotted, 
but  no  spots  on  other  fins. 

Four  specimens  collected  June,  1902,  by  Mr.  E.  Heller  at  San 
Antonio,  Lower  California,  the  longest  specimen  5  .80  inches  in  length. 
This  species  reaches  a  weight  from  ]/?.  (in  small  mountain  brooks)  to 
6  pounds. 

There  is  a  species  of  trout  found  in  the  streams  on  the  Pacific 
slope  of  the  Sierra  Madre  Mountains  in  Chihuahua  and  Durango.  I 
have  not  seen  any  specimens  of  this  trout  and  so,  provisionally  at 
least,  regard  it  as  this  species.  Mr.  John  Ramsey,  General  Manager  of 
the  R.-G.,  S.-M.  &  P.  R.  R.,  informs  me  that  a  trout  is  quite  abundant 


FAMILY  X.     SALMONID.E.  97 

in  the  upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Yaqui.  Mr.  A.  V.  Temple  also 
told  me  trout  were  found  in  the  Pacific  coast  streams  west  of  the  city 
of  Durango.  In  the  American  Naturalist,  1886,  735,  I  quote  the  fol- 
lowing from  Prof.  E.  D.  Cope:  "The  most  southern  salmon. — I  owe 
to'  my  friend,  Professor  Lupton,  two  specimens  of  a  black-spotted 
trout  from  a  locality  far  south  of  any  which  has  hitherto  yielded 
Salmonidae.  They  are  from  streams  of  the  Sierra  Madre,  of  Mexico, 
at  an  elevation  of  between  7,000  and  8,000  feet,  in  the  southern  part  of 
the  State  of  Chihuahua,  near  the  boundaries  of  Durango  and  Sinaloa. 
The  specimens  are  young,  and  have  teeth  on  the  basihyal  bones,  as 
in  Salmo  purpuratus,  which  they  otherwise  resemble." 


Order  VIII.      Haplomi. 

THE  PIKE-LIKE  FISHES. 

Anterior  vertebrae  simple;  mesocoracoid  wanting;  the  coracoids 
normally  developed;  opercular  bones,  well  developed;  ventral  fins 
abdominal;  pectoral  fins  placed  low;  dorsal  fin  more  or  less  posterior, 
the  first  ray  sometimes  stiffened  and  spine-like;  no  adipose  fin;  head 
usually  covered  with  cycloid  scales  like  those  on  the  body ;  mouth  with 
teeth.  Fishes  chiefly  inhabiting  fresh  water. 

Family  XI.     Poeciliidw. 

THE  KILLIFISHES. 

Body  elongate,  or  deep  and  compressed  behind,  depressed  forward, 
and  covered  by  rather  large  cycloid  scales;  head  scaly,  at  least 
so  above;  mouth  terminal,  small,  lower  jaw  usually  the  longer;  pre- 
maxillaries  extremely  protractile ;  teeth  conical,  or  incisor-like,  usually 
confined  to  the  jaws,  sometimes  on  vomer;  lower  pharyngeals  separ- 
ate, with  cardiform,  rarely  molar  teeth;  gill  membranes  somewhat 
connected,  free  from  the  isthmus;  gill  rakers  very  short  and  thick; 
branchiostegals  4  to  6;  pseudobranchiae  none;  dorsal  fin  single,  behind 
the  middle  of  the  body;  caudal  fin  not  forked;  ventral  fins  abdominal, 
rarely  absent;  air  bladder,  if  present,  simple. 

The  species  of  this  family  are  usually  of  small  size,  some  are  ovip- 
arous, others  viviparous.  In  the  oviparous  forms,  the  males  and 
females  are  more  nearly  alike  in  size  and  color,  and  the  anal  fin  of 
both  sexes  is  similar  in  form  and  position.  In  many  of  the  viviparous 
species  the  anal  fin  of  the  male  is  placed  well  forward  and  modified 
into  an  intromittent  organ,  and  the  male  is  about  half  the  length  of 
the  female.  In  other  viviparous  forms  the  anal  fin  of  the  male  has 
the  same  position  as  that  in  the  female,  but  differs  from  it  in  having 
the  first  five  or  six  rays  short  and  stiff,  and  separated  from  the  rest  of 
the  fin  by  a  shallow  notch ;  the  sexes  differ  in  color,  but  are  of  about  the 
same  size.  In  some  species  the  alimentary  canal  is  about  as  long  as 
the  fish;  in  others  it  is  several  times  as  long. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  PCECILIIDvt. 

a.  Intestinal  canal  comparatively  short,  little 
convoluted,  usually  less  than  one  and  one-half 
times  the  total  length  of  the  body  (2  in  Chap- 
alichthys) ;  teeth  little  movable ;  dentary  bones 
firmly  united;  species  chiefly  carnivorous. 

98 


FAMILY  XI.     POECILIID.E.  99 

b.    A  few  of  the  anterior  teeth  in  each  jaw  much  PAGE 

enlarged,  canine-like Cynodonichthys     101 

bb.  Anterior  teeth  in    each    jaw   subequal,  none 

canine-like. 

,  c.  Outer  series  of  teeth  enlarged,  pointed,  or  a 
few  of  the  anterior' ones  compressed,  incisor- 
like,  none  of  them  notched,  bicuspid  or  tri- 
cuspid. 

d.  Anal  fin  of  the  male  similar  to  that  of  the 
female;  pharyngeal  bones  and  teeth  not 
enlarged;  species  oviparous. 

e.  Teeth  in  more  than  one  series,  usually  a 
larger  outer  'series,  behind  which  is  a  band 
of  smaller  teeth;  no  caudal  ocellus;  body 
oblong;  dorsal  fin  variable  in  size  and  in- 
sertion   F-undulus     102 

ee.  Teeth  arranged  in  a  single  series;   dorsal 
fin  inserted  in  advance  of  anal,  its  rays  9 

to  13  .  .  . Lucania     109 

dd.  Anal  fin  of  the  male  with  its  first  five  or  six 

>* 

rays  short  and  stiff,  and  slightly  separated 
from  the  rest  of  the  fin  by  a  shallow  notch ; 
species  viviparous,  the  young  usually  of 
large  size  at  birth. 

f.  Dorsal   and  anal    fin  each  of  less  than  18 
rays;     body     elongate,    not     much     com- 
pressed   Zoogoneticus     109 

ff.  Dorsal  and  anal  fins  each  of   19  or  more 

rays ;  body  compressed Girardinichthys     115 

cc.  Outer    series   of   teeth  incisor-like,  bicuspid 
or  tricuspid. 
g.    Outer  series   of   teeth    bicuspid    with   a 

band   of    villiform  teeth  behind  them, 
h.    Intestinal  canal  about  i^in  total  length 

of  body;  the  teeth  very  firmly  attached  .  .Characodon     118 
hh.  Intestinal  canal  about  2  in  total  length 

of  body;  teeth  less  firmly  attached.  .  .  .Chapalichthys       123 
gg.  Outer  series  of  teeth  tricuspid,  no  villi- 
form teeth  behind  them;  dorsal  fin  short, 
of    10  to    12  rays,  the  first  ray  slender 

and  rudimentary Cyprinodon     124 

ddd.  Anal  fin  of  the  males  placed  well  forward 
and  modified  into  a  sword-shaped  intro- 


ioo  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

mittent  organ;  teeth  all  pointed,  arranged  PAGE 

in  bands;  species  viviparous,  the  young  of 
moderate  or  large  size  at  birth. 
i.  Eye  normal,  the  pupil  not  divided    by  a 
partition;  dorsal  fin  inserted  more  or  less 
behind  the  front  of  the  anal. 
j.  Jaws   not    produced  into  a  beak;    lower 
jaw  •  prominent,   longer  than  the  upper; 
the  males  much  smaller  than  the  females, 
k.    Dorsal  fin  long,  of  14  to  16  rays;  anal 

short Pseudoxiphophorous     127 

kk.  Dorsal  fin  short,  of  6  to  10  rays;  anal 
fin  short. 

I.  Alimentary  canal  less  than  twice  length 
of  body. 

m.     Anal  fin  not  falcate,  its  first  three 

rays  not  produced,  the  longest  being 

less  than  the  length  of  head Gambusia     128 

mm.  Anal  fin  falcate,  its  first  three  rays 

much  produced,  the  longest  longer 

than  the  head Paragambusia     133 

II.  Alimentary  canal  more  than  twice  the 

length  of  the  body Glaridickthys     134 

jj.Jaws   produced    into   a   moderate  beak; 

dorsal  and  anal  short,  each  of  9  to  n  rays     .  .Belonesox     135 
ii.  Eye  divided  into  two  portions  by  a  hori- 
zontal cross  partition;  vertical  fins   short, 

of  9  to  ii  rays Anableps     135 

aa.  Intestinal    canal    elongate,  usually  coiled  on 
ventral  and  right  side,  with  numerous  convolu- 
tions ;  dentary  bones  loosely  joined ;  teeth  mov- 
able; species  chiefly  mud-eating, 
n.    Outer   series    of    teeth   bicuspid,  with    villi- 
form  teeth  behind  them ;  anal  fin  of  the  male 
with  first  five  or  six  rays  of  anal  fin  short 
and  stiff  and  separated  from  the  rest  of  the 
fin  by  a  notch;  species  viviparous,  the  young 
of  large  size  when  born. 

o.  Body  robust,  oblong,  depth  3  to  4  in  length 
of  body;  gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  35  to 
40  on  the  first  gill  arch;  vertebrae  19  +  17 
=  36 Goodea,  136 


FAMILY  XI.     POSCILIID^E.  101 

oo.  Body  deep,  compressed,  depth  2^3  to  3^  m  PAGE 

length;  gill  rakers  rather  short,  stiff,  about 

20  on  the  first  gill  arch;  vertebrae  16+18=34 Skiffia     141 

nn.  Outer  series  of  teeth  pointed :  anal  fin  of  the 
male  placed  well  forward  and  modified  into  an 
intromittent  organ;  species  viviparous, 
p.    Teeth    in  a  single  series. 

q.    Dorsal  fin  inserted  in  advance  of  the  anal .  .  .Platypcecilus     144 
qq.  Dorsal  fin  inserted  more  or  less  behind  the 

front  of  the  anal Heterandria     147 

pp.  Teeth  in  more  than  one  series;  dorsal  fin  in- 
serted over  or  in  advance  of  anal,  its  rays 
much  elevated  in  the  male, 
r.   Dorsal  fin  short,  of  less  than  7  to  n  rays; 

teeth  of  the  inner  series  in  both  jaws  entire Pcecilia     149 

rr.  Dorsal  fin  long,  of  12  to  1 6  rays, 
s.   Caudal  fin  normal,  alike  in  both  sexes,  or 
with  the  lower  angle  merely  sharp  in  the 

male Mollienesia     154 

ss.  Caudal  fin  in  the  males  with  its  lower  lobe 

much  produced  and  sword-shaped Xiphophorus     156 

Subfamily  Fundulinae. 
43.     Cyiiocloiiichthys  gen.  nov. 

Type,  Cynodonichthys  tennis  Meek. 

Body  elongate,  depressed  anteriorly,  compressed  posteriorly; 
head  broad  and  flat;  lower  jaw  the  longer;  teeth  in  villiform  bands, 
a  large  canine-like  tooth  on  each  side  in  front  of  upper  jaw;  a  few 
smaller  and  similar  teeth  in  front  of  lower  jaw;  dorsal  fin  posterior,  its 
origin  over  posterior  third  of  anal;  margins  of  caudal  fins  formed  by 
tips  of  short  basal  rays;  head  entirely  scaled.  A  very  peculiar  fish, 
quite  unlike  any  other  member  of  the  family,  /ovw?  dog,  nd(>\>  tooth, 
r/8u<;  fish. 

90.  Cynodonichthys  tenuis  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4643,  F.  C.  M.,  1.6  inches  in  length;  El  Hule,  Oaxaca. 

Head  3^;  depth  4^;  D.  8;  A.  u;  scales  10-38.  Body  elongate, 
depressed  anteriorly,  compressed  posteriorly;  head  broad,  much  de- 
pressed; interorbital  flat,  2  in  head;  snout  short,  4  in  head; upper  jaw 
the  longer;  teeth  in  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  upper  jaw  with  a  well- 
developed  canine-like  tooth  on  each  side ;  some  of  anterior  teeth  of 
lower  jaw  canine-like;  eye  small,  37^  in  head;  premaxillary  pro- 


iO2  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM— ZOOLOGY,  VOL    V. 

tractile,  its  exposed  part  very  small,  with  a  short,  fleshy,  blunt-like 
protuberance  on  each  side;  gill  membranes  not  connected,  free  from 
the  isthmus;  head  entirely  covered  with  scales;  30  scales  in  a  series 
from  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  fin;  dorsal  fin  posterior,  its  origin 


FIG.  27.    CYNODONICHTHYS  TENUIS  Meek. 

over  posterior  third  of  anal;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly  nearer  tip 
of  caudal  than  origin  of  pectoral  fin ;  base  of  dorsal  3  in  head ;  base  of 
anal  2 ;  pectoral  i  >£ ;  ventrals  very  short,  3^2  in  head,  their  tips  nearly 
reaching  anal  fin;  caudal  fin  rounded,  its  first  outer  rays  short,  and 
gradually  increasing  in  length,  forming  the  margins  of  the  fins. 

Color  dark  brownish,  pectoral  fins  dark;  dorsal  fin  with  about  3 
narrow  cross-bars  made  up  of  small  faint  dark  spots;  lower  margin 
of  caudal  fin  light. 

One  specimen  only  of  this  species  was  taken. 

While  collecting  at  El  Hule  this  specimen  was  taken  in  one  of  the 
early  hauls  of  the  seine.  I  saw  it  was  quite  different  from  any  other 
fish  I  had  collected  in  Mexico  and  made  an  extra  effort  to  secure  more 
of  them,  but  was  unable  to  do  so.  I  also  spent  one  day  afterwards 
collecting  at  Perez  and  one  at  Obispo,  but  was  unable  to  secure  more 
specimens  of  this  fish.  A  short  siege  of  fever,  and  the  hard  rains 
made  it  impossible  for  me  to  do  further  collecting  then  in  that  region. 

44.     Fuuclulus  Lacepede. 

KlLLIFISHES. 

Fundulus  Lace"pede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  v,  37, 1803.  (Type,  Fundulus 
mudfish  Lace"pede.) 

Fontinus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896, 
633-  (Type,  Fundulus  seminolis  Girard.) 

Body  rather  elongate,  compressed  behind;  mouth  moderate,  the 
lower  jaw  projecting;  jaws  each  .with  two  or  more  series  of  pointed 
teeth,  usually  forming  a  narrow  band;  bones  of  the  mandible  firmly 
united ;  scales  moderate ;  gill  opening  not  restricted  above ;  preopercle 
preorbital  and  mandible  with  mucous  pores;  dorsal  and  anal  fins 
similar,  small;  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin  either  in  front  of,  above,  or 


FAMILY  XI.     PcECiLiiDyE.  103 

behind  that  of  the  anal ;  ventrals  well  developed ;  air  bladder  present ; 
intestinal  canal  short,  i  to  i>£  times  the  length  of  the  body;  anal  fin 
of  male  not  modified,  it  being  similar  in  size  and  position  to  that 
in  the  female;  oviparous. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  FUNDULUS. 

a.  Scales  large,  31  to  38  in  the  lateral  series.  PAGE 

b.  Body  without  cross-bars;  anal  rays  13  to  16. 
c.  Body  rather  slender;  depth  4  to  4^;  dorsal 
rays  12  or  13;  scales  34  or  35. 

d.     Anal  rays  14  to  16;  depth  4 [guatemalensis]     103 

dd.  Anal  rays  13 ;  depth  4^ [punctatus]     104 

cc.  Body  rather  robust,  head  3^;  depth  3%"; 
dorsal  rays  14;  anal  rays  15;  scales  11-30; 
origin  of  dorsal  midway  between  tip  of  cau- 
dal and  orbit oaxacaz  104 

bb.  Body  with   cross-bars;   anal  rays'  9  to  n.  ; 
scales  large,  30  to  33  in  the  lateral   series, 
f.    Body    with    about    23    narrow  undulating 
silvery    bars,    narrower    than    the    inter- 
spaces; fins  nearly  plain;  scales  10-31 vinctus     105 

ff.   Body  with  7  to   15    narrow,  dark,  vertical 
bars  X  to  ^3   as  wide  as  interspaces,  and 

not  very  dark;  scales  11-33 similis     105 

aa.  Scales  small,  35  to  48  in  the  lateral  series, 
g.  Dorsal  rays  10  to  n  ;  anal  rays  9  to  n  ;  depth 

3*  to  4#. 
h.     Scales  35  to  38  in  the  lateral  series ;  depth 

3t  to  3f heteroclitus     106 

hh.  Scales  41  to  46 ;  depth  4  to  4^3 grandis     107 

gg.  Dorsal  rays  1 3  to  15;  anal  rays  1 3  to  17;  depth 

4X  to  s2A-   ^ 
i.    Scales  in  lateral  series  37  to  39;  dorsal  rays 

13  or  14;  anal  rays  16  or  17 [labialis]     107 

ii.  Scales  in  lateral  series  47  to  60. 

j.  Scales  in  the  lateral   series  47;   depth  5^ extensus     108 

j  j .  Scales  in  the  lateral  series  6  o ;  depth  4  %  to  4  %" zebrinus     1 08 

Sub'genus  Fundulus  Lac6pede. 

Fundulus  guatemalensis  Gunther. 

Fundulus  guatemalensis  Gunther,  Cat.,  vi,  321,  1866;  Lago  de  Duenas;  Lago 
de  Amatitlan;  Rio  Gujalote  (all  in  Guatemala):  Gunther,  Fishes  Cent. 
Amer.,  483,  pi.  86,  figs.  3  and  4,  1869;  Lago  de  Duefias;  Lago  de  Ama- 
titlan ;  Rio  Guacalate  (all  in  Guatemala) . 

A  dini  a  guatemalensis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  660. 

Zoogoneticus  guatemalensis  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  94. 


104  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Guatemala. 

Head  4;  depth  4;  D.  12  or  13;  A.  14  to  16;  scales  12-32  to  35.  Body  moder- 
ately elongate;  head  thick  and  broad;  interorbital  area  broad,  slightly  convex, 
its  width  being  a  little  less  than  half  its  length;  snout  broad,  obtuse,  lower  jaw 
slightly  projecting  beyond  the  upper;  mandible  longer  than  eye;  diameter  of  eye 
about  equaling  length  of  snout,  4  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  be- 
tween tip  of  caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  orbit,  slightly  in  advance  of  anal; 
dorsal  fin  of  male  higher  than  that  of  female;  basal  half  of  caudal  fin  scaly. 

Color  brown  above  and  on  sides;  pale  below;  females  with  a  very  indistinct 
dark  band  along  the  side;  fins  plain;  anal  with  a  light  margin.  (Giinther.) 
Length  about  3^  inches. 

Two  years  ago  I  suggested  that  this  species  and  also  Fundulus  labial-is 
Gunther,  probably  belonged  to  Zoogoneticus .  Mr.  C.  Tate  Regan*  has  since 
reexamined  the  types  and  finds  that  both  species  belong  to  Fundulus. 

Fundulus  punctatus  Gunther. 

Fundulus  punctatus  Gunther,  Cat.,vi,  230,  1866,  Chiapas:  Gunther,  Fishes 
Cent.  Amer.,  482,  pi.  86,  fig.  5,  1869;  Chiapas:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  637. 

Guatemala  and  southern  Mexico. 

Head  4;  depth  4^;  D.  12;  A.  13;  scales  12-34.  Body  little  elongate;  head 
broad,  interorbital  area  slightly  convex,  its  width  2  in  head;  snout  broad, 
obtuse,  much  depressed,  the  lower  jaw  scarcely  projecting  beyond  the  upper; 
mandible  longer  than  eye;  upper  lip  of  moderate  breadth;  eye  small,  4^  in 
head;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly  nearer  extremity  of  caudal  than  orbit,  over  the 
i  gth  scale  in  the  lateral  series ;  dorsal  fin  slightly  in  advance  of  anal ;  pectoral  fins 
not  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  shorter  than  head  (without  snout) ;  caudal  fin 
subtruncate,  scaly  on  its  basal  half. 

Color  brownish  olive,  paler  below;  each  scale,  especially  those  on  the  tail,  with 
a  vertical  dark  purplish  violet  spot  on  the  center;  dorsal  with  3  or  4  series  of 
blackish  dots,  anal  with  a  whitish  margin.  Length  about  3^  inches. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  Dr.  B.  W.  Evermann,  of  the  Bureau  of  Fisheries,  I 
have  been  permitted  to  examine  a  number  of  specimens  of  this  species,  which 
were  collected  by  Dr.  Gustav  Eisen  in  July,  1902,  in  Lake  Atitlan,  Guatemala, 
at  an  altitude  of  about  4,500  feet.  These  specimens  agree  very  well  with  the 
description  given  by  Dr.  Gunther,  except  in  the  absence  of  spots  on  the  dorsal 
fin. 

91.  Pundulus  oaxacas  Meek. 

Fundulus   oaxaccs    Meek,    Field   Col.    Mus.    Pub.    65,    1902,    90; 

Oaxaca. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Verde  in  Oaxaca. 


FIG.  28.    FUNDULUS  OAXAC/C  Meek. 

No.  3721,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


*Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  1904,  257. 


FAMILY  XL     PCECILIID^E.  105 

Head  $l/£;  depth  3^;  D.  14;  A.  15;  scales  11-30.  Body  robust, 
profile  from  nape  slightly  concave;  top  of  head  broad,  slightly  convex; 
snout  not  much  depressed,  3^3  in  head;  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer; 
teeth  pointed,  in  a  band  in  both  jaws,  the  outer  series  the  larger; 
eye  small,  4^  in  head;  interorbital  space  2!  in  head;  origin  of  the 
dorsal  fin  slightly  in  advance  of  the  anal,  midway  between  tip  of 
caudal  fin  and  posterior  margin  of  the  eye;  base  of  dorsal  2^3  in  head, 
its  height  slightly  more  than  half  the  head;  pectoral  ij  in  head; 
ventral  2l/2  in  head;  caudal  fin  subtruncate;  peritoneum  black; 
alimentary  canal  shorter  than  the  total  length  of  the  fish. 

Color  brownish  olive,  a  dark  spot  in  the  middle  of  each  scale; 
these  spots  more  prominent  on  the  posterior  half  of  the  body 
of  males  from  i%  to  i ^  inches  in  length ;  males  usually  with  a  row 
of  spots  on  base  of  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins ;  young  with  a  few  faint 
dark  cross  bars  on  the  sides,  becoming  a  faint  dark  lateral  band  in 
the  larger  females.  Length  about  2^  inches. 

This  species  is  so  far  known  only  from  the  type  locality.  Time 
of  spawning  about  the  third  week  in  May.  A  female  2.05  inches 
in  length  contained  100  eggs. 

92.  Fundulus  vinctus  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Fundulus  vinctus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 
355;  Cape  San  Lucas,  Lower  California  (probably  from  pools 
about  La  Paz) :  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  637. 

Southern  portion  of  Lower  California. 

Head  3^;  depth  4^3';  D.  12;  A.  n;  scales  about  10-31.  Body 
little  elongate,  compressed  posteriorly;  head  large,  very  broad  and 
somewhat  depressed  above;  mouth  moderate;  teeth  in  narrow  bands, 
the  outer  much  enlarged ;  interorbital  space  2  in  head ;  dorsal  fin  a 
little  in  advance  of  the  anal,  its  origin  midway  between  base  of  caudal 
and  occiput;  pectoral  1^3  in  head;  caudal  i^;  scales  comparatively 
large. 

Color  olivaceous,  with  about  23  narrow  silvery  bars  with  undulat- 
ing edges,  the  bars  narrower  than  the  darker  interspaces;  fins  all 
plain.  (J.  &  G.)  Length  about  2^  inches. 

This  species  is  known  only  from  the  type  locality,  which  is  prob- 
ably La  Paz  instead  of  Cape  San  Lucas,  as  given  in  the  original 
description.  (Jordan.) 

93.  Fundulus  similis   (Baird  &  Girard).     SAC-A-LAIT. 
Hydrargyra  similis  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila. 

1853,  389;  Indianola,  Texas:  Jordan,  Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Sur., 
1878,  400;  Rio  Grande,  Brownsville,  Texas. 


io6  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,' VOL.  V. 

Fundulus  similis  G-iinther,  Cat.,  vi,  323,  1866:  Jordan  &  Ever- 
man,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  638. 

Brackish  and  fresh  waters  along  the  gulf  coast  from  Florida  to 
Mexico  north  of  the  Rio  Panuco.  (Linares ;  Victoria.) 

Head  3^;  depth  3%"  to  4f;  D.  n  to  13;  A.  10;  scales  11-33. 
Body  slender,  the  outlines  scarcely  arched;  adults  deeper  than  young; 
head  very  narrow  and  long,  narrowed  forward;  snout  3  in  head; 
mouth  small,  maxillary  not  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  nostril; 
teeth  very  small,  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer  series  not  at  all  en- 
larged; eye  small,  4  to  5  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  midway  between 
tip  of  caudal  fin  and  eye,  slightly  in  advance  of  anal;  pectoral  i% 
in  head ;  ventrals  3  X  m  head ;  caudal  subtruncate. 

Color  of  male  olivaceous,  lighter  below;  sides  with  10  to  15  narrow 
dark  bars  y$  to  y$  as  wide  as  interspaces;  a  large,  diffuse,  dark, 
humeral  spot;  dorsal  dusky,  a  small  occellated  spot  on  last  dorsal 
ray  in  the  young;  female  olivaceous,  sides  paler,  with  metallic 
luster;  white  below;  7  to  15  very  narrow  black  bars  on  sides  not  ex- 
tending on  the  back,  scarcely  broader  than  pupil.  Length  about 
3^  inches. 

The  largest  specimen  taken  by  me  is  3.75  inches  in  length.  Spawn- 
ing time  not  known. 

94.  Fundulus  heteroclitus  (Linnaeus).     KILLIFISH. 

Cobitis  heteroclitus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  xn,  500,  1766; 
Charleston,  South  Carolina. 

Fundulus  heteroclitus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  640:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  126;  Lagoons,  Tampico:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough, 
Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  149;  Progreso. 

Abundant  in  lagoons  and  brackish  waters  along  the  coast  from 
Tampico  to  Maine.  It  probably  does  not  enter  fresh  water. 

Head  3  to  3^;  depth  3!  to  33;  D.  n;  A.  10  or  u;  scales  13-35 
to  38.  Body  short  and  deep;  anteriorly  broad,  posteriorly  com- 
pressed, the  back 'elevated,  the  caudal  peduncle  robust;  head  rather 
short,  broad,  and  flat  on  top;  snout  bluntish,  3>£  in  head;  teeth  in 
bands,  the  outer  series  enlarged;  eye  small,  4  to  5  in  head;  origin 
of  dorsal  midway  between  tip  of  caudal  and  tip  of  snout  (3)  or  eye 
(?);  caudal  fin  truncate;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2  in  head; 
pectorals  i^  in  head;  ventrals  2^. 

Color  of  males  dull  dark  green  above,  more  or  less  orange  below; 
sides  with  numerous,  quite  narrow,  ill  defined  silvery  spots,  most 
distinct  posteriorly,  and  with  conspicuous  white  or  yellow  spots 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID^E.  107 

irregularly  scattered;  vertical  fins  dark,  with  numerous  small  round 
pale  spots ;  dorsal  often  with  a  blackish  spot  on  its  last  ray ;  females 
nearly  plain  olivaceous  above,  lighter  below;  sides  often  with  about 
15  dark  cross-bars  or  shades,  more  definite  in  the  young.  Length 
about  6  inches. 

95.  Fundulus  grandis  Baird  &  Girard. 

Fundulus  grandis  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
l8S3.  389'.  Indiaiiola,  Texas:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  69,  pi. 
xxxvi,  1859:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 
Comm.,  1901,  149;  Progreso. 

Fundulus  heteroclitus  grandis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  641. 

Fresh  and  brackish  water  lagoons  of  coast  of  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

Read  3;  depth  4  to  4^;  D.  10  or  n;  A.  9  or  10;  scales  14  or  15— 
40  to  46.  Body  rather  robust,  compressed  posteriorly ;  interorbital 
broad,  3  in  head;  eye  5^  to  6;  snout  3>£  to  3^;  longest  dorsal  ray 
(3)  2  to  (?)  2yz. 

Color  males  dark  green  above,  paler  posteriorly;  sides  with  many 
small,  round,  pearly  spots,  some  of  them  often  in  vertical  series;  pos- 
terior y  traces  of  8  or  9  narrow,  pale  cross-bars  alternating  with  broader, 
faint,  dusky  ones;  belly  yellowish;  base  of  caudal  with  numerous  small 
white  spots ;  dorsal  olive  with  many  small,  white  spots ;  female  olive 
and  silvery,  with  minute  speckles  below;  sides  usually  with  traces  of 
12  to  15  narrow,  silvery,  vertical  bars,  less  than  half  as  wide  as  the 
dusky  interspaces ;  no  white  spots  on  body  or  fins ;  fins  mostly  dusky 
olive,  nearly  plain.  Length  about  6  inches. 

This  species  has  been  taken  on  the  coast  of  Texas  and  of  Yucatan, 
and  no  doubt  occurs  in  fresh  water  and  brackish  lagoons  along  the 
eastern  coast  of  Mexico. 

Fundulus  labialis  Gunther. 

Fundulus  labialis  Gunther,  Cat.,  vi,  319,  1866;  Rio  San  Geronimo,  Guate- 
mala; Yzabel:  Gunther,  Fishes  Cent.  Amer.,  48,  1869,  Rio  San  Geronimo; 
Yzabel:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  644. 

Guatemala. 

Head  4  to  4^3 ;  depth  4^;  D.  13  or  14;  A.  16  or  17;  scales  15-37  to  39-  Body 
rather  slender,  head  broad,  slightly  convex,  its  width  being  less  than  half  of 
the  head;  snout  broad,  obtuse,  depressed;  jaws  equal  in  front;  mandible  very 
short;  upper  lip  well  developed,  broad,  extending  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth; 
diameter  of  the  eye  less  than  the  length  of  the  snout,  about  4  in  the  head;  origin 
of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip  of  caudal  fin  and  eye,  opposite  anal  fin;  caudal 
fin  truncate,  its  basal  third  scaly. 

Color  uniform  brownish  olive  above,  paler  below;  sometimes  irregular, 
cloudy  markings  on  the  tail ;  fins  plain ;  the  anal  fin  in  male  black  at  the  base  and 
bright  yellow  on  its  marginal  half;  upper  margin  of  dorsal  fin  of  male  yellow- 
ish. (Gunther.) 

Known  onlv  from  the  above  account. 


io8  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Subgenus  Fontinus  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

96.  Fundulus  extensus  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Fundulus  extensus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 
355;  Cape  San  Lucas  (probably  from  La  Paz),  Lower  Cali- 
fornia: Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,646. 

Coast  of  Lower  California. 

Head  3^;  depth  5^;  D.  15;  A.  13;  scales  12-47.  Body  usually 
elongate,  moderately  compressed,  head  slender,  not  very  broad,  the 
interorbital  width  i\  in  head;  mouth  rather  large;  the  teeth  moder- 
ate in  a  band,  the  outer  considerably  enlarged;  eye  large,  3^"  in 
head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  in  front  of  anal,  midway  between  eye  and 
base  of  caudal;  pectoral  1^3  in  head;  caudal  fin  truncate;  caudal 
peduncle  much  longer  than  head. 

Color  plain,  somewhat  translucent,  with  no  markings  anywhere, 
except  traces  of  some  very  narrow  dark  bars  on  the  sides;  fins  low 
and  plain.  (Jordan  &  Gilbert.)  Known  only  from  the  types. 

97.  Fundulus  zebrinus   (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Hydrargyra  zebra  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  60; 

tributaries  of  Rio  Grande,  between  Fort  Defiance  and  Fort 

Union,   New  Mexico:  Gunther,   Cat.,  vi,   324,    1866:   Jordan, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Sur.,  1878,  664;  Brownsville,  Texas. 

Fundulus  zebrinus  Jordan  &   Evermann,   Bull.   47,   U.'  S.   Nat. 

Mus.,  1896,  646. 

Streams  from  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande  north  to  western 
Kansas,  Dakota,  Iowa,  and  Kentucky. 

Head  3^  to  3^;  depth  4^  to  4^;  D.  14  or  15;  A.  13  or  14;  scales 
21-60.  Body  long  and  slender;  head  moderate;  snout  not  much 
elongate,  its  length  3^  in  head;  teeth  in  bands,  the  external  series 
much  enlarged;  eye  4  to  4%  in  head;  interorbital  width  2^  in  head; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  tip  of  caudal 
fin;  a  little  more  anterior  in  the  males;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  opposite 
that  of  anal  in  males,  a  little  in  advance  in  females;  caudal  fin  trun- 
cate; in  males  the  margins  of  the  scales  are  rough,  with  minute 
tubercles. 

Color  greenish  above,  side's  and  below  silvery  white,  the  sides 
tinged  with  sulphur  yellow;  sides  with  14  to  18  dusky  bars  from 
back  to  ventral  region,  occasionally  meeting  on  the  ventral  line; 
•  these  bars  varying  much  in  width,  being  rather  narrower  in  females, 
and  with  half  bars  usually  between  them;  the  interspaces  as  wide 
as  the  bars  or  usually  wider;  fins  usually  dusky,  plain.  Length 
about  3  inches. 


FAMILY  XI.     PGECILIID^E.  109 

45.     Lucaiiia  Girard. 

Lucania  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  118.  (Type, 
Limia  venusta  Girard.) 

Body  oblong,  compressed;  mouth  moderate,  its  cleft  short  and 
very  oblique;  lower  jaw  prominent;  each  jaw  with  a  single  series  of 
conical  teeth;  scales  large,  usually  less  than  30  in  the  lateral  series; 
gill  openings  not  restricted ;  the  dorsal  fin  above  or  slightly  in  advance 
of  the  anal;  anal  fin  of  male  like  that  of  female,  not  modified  into  an 
intromittent  organ  nor  with  first  rays  short  and  stiff. 

98.  Lucania  venusta   (Girard). 

Limia  venusta  Girard,  U.  S.  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  ^I)  pi.  xxxix,  figs. 
20-23,  1859;  Indianola,  Texas. 

Lucania  affinis  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  118; 
Matamoras,  Tamaulipas. 

Lucania  venusta  Giinther,  Cat.,  vi,  310,  1866:  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  665. 

Lagoons  and  inlets  along  the  gulf  coast  of  Mexico,  north  of  Tam- 
pico. 

Head  3%',  depth  3^/2',  D.  n  or  12;  A.  9  or  10;  scales  8-26.  Body" 
rather  strongly  compressed,  the  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about 
equally  arched;  head  narrow,  compressed,  flattened  above  the  eyes; 
snout  compressed,  short,  and  vertically  rounded,  its  height  greater 
than  its  width;  movith  very  small,  protractile  forward,  the  lower 
jaw  much  projecting  in  open  mouth;  mandible  heavy,  short,  and 
strongly  convex;  less  than  diameter  of  orbit;  teeth  small,  firm  and 
conical  in  a  single  series;  eye  large,  3  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin 
nearly  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal;  origin  of 
anal  fin  opposite  middle  of  dorsal;  pectorals  i^  in  head;  ventrals  if; 
caudal  fin  slightly  rounded;  caudal  peduncle  long  and  slender,  its 
least  depth  about  2  in  head. 

Color  of  male  light  olive,  pale  on  the  belly;  sides  with  some  silver 
luster  and  with  indistinct  trace  of  an  obsolete  dusky  lateral  stripe. 
Length  about  2  inches. 

46.     Zoogoiieticus  Meek. 

Zoogoneticus  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  91.  (Type,  Pla- 
typcecilus  quitzeoensis  B.  A.  Bean.) 

Body  little  elongate,  rather  deep,  somewhat  compressed;  mouth 
moderate,  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  jaws  each  with  bands  of  pointed 
teeth,  the  outer  series  the  larger;  scales  moderate;  gill  openings  not 
restricted;  dorsal  fin  usually  large,  of  more  than  12  rays;  anal  fin  of 


no  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

male  with  its  first  5  or  6  rays  short  and  stiff  and  separated  from 
the  rest  of  the  fin  by  a  shallow  notch;  dorsal  fin  of  male  higher  than 
that  of  female;  viviparous.  The  ovary  is  a  strong  membranous  sack, 
with  several  infolded  partitions;  in  this  the  young  develop  and 
reach  a  comparatively  large  size  when  they  are  born,  which  is  during 
May  and  June. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  ZOOGONETICUS. 

a.     Four  to  six  black  spots  about  as  large  as  eye  PAGE 

on  lower  half  of  caudal  peduncle;  2  similar 
black  spots  at  base  of  caudal  ................  cuitzeoensis     no 

aa.  No  black  spots  on  lower  half  of  caudal  pedun- 
cle ;  not  more  than  one  black  spot  at  base  of 
caudal. 
b.     Sides  of  body  with  7  to  9  well  defined  black 

bars  each  about  as  wide  as  the  interspaces  .........  dugesi     in 

bb.  Sides  of  body  without  well-defined  cross-bars. 
c.  Anal  fin  longer  than  the  dorsal;  dorsal  rays 

12  to  14;  anal  rays  14  to  17. 
d.     Scales  large,  32  to  35  in  the  lateral  series; 
head  very  thick  and  broad,  3^  m  length; 
dorsal  rays  13  or  14;  anal  rays  1  5  ;  scales 
1  2-3  5  .............................  .  [pachycephalus]     112 

dd.  Scales  smaller,  37  to  39  in  the  lateral  series.  - 
e.     Origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip 
of  caudal  fin  and  tip  of  snout;  head  large, 
3  ^  in  length  ;  depth  3  ;  dorsal  rays  14  ;  anal 
rays  16  ;  scales  16-38  .......................  robustus     112 

ee.  Origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip 

of  caudal  fin  and  opercle  ...................  maculatus     113 

cc.  Anal  fin  shorter  than  the  dorsal;  dorsal  rays 

17;  anal  rays  14. 

f  .    Origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of 
caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  opercle  ;  head 
324  ;  depth  3^  .................................  diazi     114 

ff.  Origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base 
of  caudal  and  preopercle;   head  3^;  depth 

winiatus     115 


99.  Zoogoneticus  cuitzeoensis   (B.  A.  Bean). 

Platypcecilus  quitzeoensis  B.  A.  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1898,  540,  fig.  i;  Lago  de  Cuitzeo,  Michoacan:  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  2873. 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID.E.  in 

Zoogoneticus  quitzeoensis  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  91; 

Ocotlan;  La  Barca. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  29.    ZOOGONETICUS  CUITZEOENSIS  (B.  A.  Bean). 

No.  48209  (Platypeecilus  quifzeoensis  B.  A.  Bean),  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

Head  3^;  depth  3  to  3^;  D.  13  or  14;  A.  13  to  15;  scales  11-30. 
Body  compressed,  the  back  somewhat  arched;  usually  in  larger 
specimens  an  angle  at  the  nape;  head  rather  small;  interorbital  space 
flattish,  its  width  2%  in  head;  mouth  moderately  large,  chin  promi- 
nent; lower  jaw  projecting;  outer  series  of  teeth  large;  snout  4^3  in 
head;  eye  3f£;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip  of  caudal  and 
tip  of  snout,  and  in  advance  of  ventral;  pectoral  fin  if  in  head; 
ventral  2;  caudal  fin  truncate;  caudal  peduncle  rather  deep,  its  least 
depth  1^3  in  head. 

Color  light  brownish  tinged  with  red;  on  the  middle  of  sides  of 
female  to  opposite  tip  of  pectoral  usually  with  three  faint  dark 
spots,  also  four  to  six  dark  bars  on  lower  half  of  caudal  peduncle, 
and  a  dark  spot  on  upper  portion  of  caudal  peduncle  above  last  bar; 
color  of  the  males  more  uniform  and  much  darker  than  that  of  the 
females ;  the  spots  or  bars  so  conspicuous  on  the  females  being  scarcely 
noticeable  on  the  male;  dorsal  and  anaj.  fins  tipped  with  yellow;  the 
caudals  and  tips  of  ventrals  blackish;  pectorals  light;  fins  of  the 
female  pale.  Length  2^  inches. 

100.  Zoogoneticus  dugesi   (Bean). 

Fundulus  dugesii   Bean,    Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,   1887,  373,  pi. 
xx,  fig.  5;  Guanajuato:  Garman,  Memoirs  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 

1895,  101. 

Adinia  dugesii  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1896,  661. 

Zoogoneticus  dugesii  Meek,   Field  Col.   Mus.   Pub.   65,    1902,   92; 
Lagos;  Patzcuaro. 


112 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 

Head  3^;  depth  3;  D.  17;  A.  13;  scales  12-29.  Body  rather 
robust  anteriorly,  compressed  posteriorly;  back  little  arched;  head 
rather  large;  interorbital  area  flattish;  its  width  2^  in  head;  mouth 


FlG.  30.     ZOOGONETICUS  DUGESI  (Bean). 
No.  37831,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

rather  large;  upper  series  of  teeth  large;  lower  jaw  the  longer,  chin 
prominent;  length  of  snout  4^  in  head;  diameter  of  eye  4;  origin  of 
dorsal  slightly  in  advance  of  origin  of  anal,  midway  between  tip  of 
caudal  fin  and  posterior  margin  of  eye;  pectoral  fin  T.%  in  head; 
ventral  2%;  caudal  peduncle  short,  its  least  depth  2  in  head. 

Color  light  brownish;  sides  with  about  8  dark  cross  bands,  about 
equal  to  the  interspaces;  the  bars  not  always  of  equal  width.  Length 
about  2>2  inches. . 

The  young  are  born  about  the  last  week  of  May. 

Zoogoneticus  pachycephalus  (Giinther). 

Fundulus  pachycephalus  Giinther,  Cat.,  vi,  321,  1866;  Guatemala:  Giinther, 
Fishes  Cent.  Amer.,  483,  pi.  86,  fig.  6,  1869;  Guatemala. 

A  dinia  pachycephalus  Jordan  &Evermann,  Bull. 47, U.S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  660. 

Zoogoneticus  pachycephalus  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.,  65,  1902,  94. 

Guatemala. 

Head  3^3 ;  depth  3^  to  3*;  D.  13  or  14;  A.  15;  scales  12-35.  Body  rather 
deep,  head  very  thick  and  broad;  interorbital  space  very  broad,  slightly  convex, 
its  width  2  in  head;  snout  broad,  obtuse;  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting  beyond 
upper;  mandible  longer  than  eye;  eye  4  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly 
in  advance  of  anal,  midway  between  tip  of  caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  the 
orbit;  caudal  fin  subtruncate. 

Color  brownish  above  and  on  sides,  each  scale  darker  on  tip;  an  indistinct 
dark  band  along  middle  of  tail ;  fins  plain,  anal  fin  with  the  lower  margin  whitish. 
(Giinther.) 

Known  only  from  the  above  description. 

101.  Zoogoneticus  robustus   (Bean). 

Fundulus  robustus  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1892,  285,  pi. 
XLIV,  fig.  2;  Guanajuato:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  644:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 
Comm.,  1900,  126;  Lago  de  Chapala:  B.  A.  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  541;  Lago  de  Cuitzeo,  Michoacan. 


FAMILY  XI.     POSCILIID^;.  113 

Zoogoneticus  robustus  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.   65,   1902,  9.2; 

Ocotlan;  Patzcuaro;  Zirahuen. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  31.    ZOOGONETICUS  ROBUSTUS  (Bean). 

No.  43760,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

Head  3  to  3^;  depth  3  to  3^/3'.  D-  13  or  14;  A.  14  to  16;  scales 
15-38.  Body  robust  anteriorly,  compressed  posteriorly;  head  broad, 
interorbital  area  nearly  flat,  its  width  2^  in  head;  mouth  rather 
large;  lower  jaw  the  longer;  chin  prominent;  snout  3^  in  head;  eye 
4  to  4 y*  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly  in  front  of  anal  and  mid- 
way between  tip  of  caudal  fin  and  tip  of  snout;  pectoral  fin  i^  in 
head ;  ventral  fin  2  ^  in  head ;  caudal  fin  truncate ;  least  depth  of  caudal 
peduncle  2  in  head. 

Color  light  brownish,  much  speckled  and  variegated  with  darker; 
on  young  specimens  a  tendency  to  form  a  narrow  dark  lateral  band 
on  posterior  half  of  body;  fins  all  plain.  Length  about  5^  inches. 

This  species  is  the  largest  member  of  the  genus  on  the  Mexican 
Plateau.  Females  4^  to  45-3  inches  in  length,  contain  from  20  to  38 
young,  each  from  .67  to  .75  inches  in  length.  The'  young  are  born 
in  May. 

102.  Zoogoneticus  maculatus  Regan. 

Zoogoneticus  maculatus  Regan,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  1904, 
256;  Rio  Santiago,  Mexico. 

Head  3  (in  total  length);  depth  3^  to  3^;  D.  13  or  14;  A.  15; 
scales  36  to  38;  mouth  moderate,  the  lower  jaw  prominent;  length 
of  snout  equaling  diameter  of  eye,  4  to  4^  m  head;  interorbital  2^ 
to  2^;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  about  midway  between  posterior  edge  of 
preopercle  and  base  of  caudal,  its  longest  ray  a  little  longer  than 
the  base  of  the  fin,  2  in  head  (or  less) ;  origin  of  the  anal  a  little  behind 
that  of  dorsal,  the  first  6  rays  in  male,  short,  stiff,  and  of  equal 


ii4  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

length ;  pectoral  fin  £  to  */$  the  length  of  the  head ;  ventrals  reaching 
vent ;  caudal  truncate ;  caudal  peduncle  i  ^3  to  2  times  as  long  as  deep. 

Color  brownish  above,  silvery  below,  with  dark  spots  which  are 
most  conspicuous  posteriorly;  fins  immaculate;  total  length  84  mm. 

Three  specimens  from  the  Rio  Santiago,  Mexico.     (Regan.) 

103.  Zoogoneticus  diazi  Meek. 

Zoogoneticus    diazi    Meek,    Field   Col.    Mus.    Pub.    65,    1902,    93; 

Patzcuaro;  Zirahuen. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


Fie.  32.    ZOOGONETICUS  DIAZI  Meek. 

No.  3618,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 

Head  3^3;  depth  3^;  D.  17;  A.  14;  scales  13-34.  Body  elongate, 
robust,  compressed;  back  much  elevated,  forming  a  prominent  angle 
at  the  nape;  top  of  head  slightly  convex;  interorbital  width  2^  in 
head;  snout  bluntish,  4  in  head;  mouth  large,  teeth  conical  in  a  band 
in  each  jaw.  the  outer  series  being  the  larger;  lower  jaw 'the  longer; 
chin  very  prominent;  eye  moderate,  3^  in  head;  dorsal  fin  slightly 
in  advance  of  the  anal,  its  origin  midway  between  base  of  caudal 
and  posterior  margin  of  opercle;  base  of  dorsal  ig  in  head,  its  height 
2  (in  male  if)  in  head;  pectoral  fin  if  in  head;  ventral  2f ;  alimentary 
canal  scarcely  as  long  as  .the  body;  peritoneum  pale. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  young  much  mottled  with  darker;  the 
darker  in  form  of  irregular  cross-bars  on  the  sides;  many  of  the 
larger  specimens  in  life  with  a  reddish  tinge  over  the  body,  fading 
to  nearly  a  uniform  light  olive ;  fins  all  plain ;  the  males  a  little  duller 
and  of  a  more  uniform  color  than  the  females.  Length  about  3 
inches. 

Abundant  where  found.  One  female  3  inches  in  length  contained 
28  young,  each  .60  inches  in  length.  A  second  female  3.15  inches 
in  length  contained  47  young,  each  .43  inches  in  length.  The  young 
are  born  the  last  of  May  and  early  in  June. 


FAMILY  XL  •  PCECILIID^E.  115 

104.  Zoogoneticus  miniatus  Meek. 

Zoogoneticus  miniatus  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  94; 

Chalco. 
Vallev  of  Mexico. 


FIG.  33.  .ZOOGONETICUS  MINIATUS  Meek. 

No.  3680.  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


Head  3^;  depth  3%',  D.  17;  A.  14;  scales  14-32.  Body  elongate, 
compressed  ;  head  rather  narrow,  interorbital  width  3  in  head  ;  mouth 
rather  large;  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer;  teeth  conical  .in  a  band, 
the  outer  series  being  the  larger;  snout  4^  m  head;  eye  2^3  in  head; 
dorsal  fin  slightly  in  advance  of  anal,  its  origin  midway  between  base 
of  caudal  fin  and  the  middle  of  preopercle;  intestinal  canal  short, 
about  as  long  as  oody.  i 

Color  olivaceous,  much  mottled  with  darker;  no  distinct  lateral 
band;  sides  with  irregular  dark  blotches,  the  last  one  forming  an 
indistinct  black  caudal  spot.  Length  about  i^  inches.  Known  only 
from  the  type  locality. 

47.     G-irarcliiiichthys  Bleeker. 

Girardinichthys  Bleeker,  Cyprin.,  481,1860.  (Type,Girardinichthys 
innominatus  Bleeker.) 

Limnurgus  Giinther,  Cat.,  vi,  309,  1866.  (Type,  Limnurgus  varie- 
gatus  Giinther  =  Girardinichthys  innominatus  Bleeker.) 

Body  robust;  mouth  small,  its  cleft  nearly  vertical;  teeth  small, 
pointed,  in  one  or  more  series  in  each  jaw;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  long, 
the  former  slightly  in  advance  of  the  latter;  intestinal  canal  on  left 
side,  not  coiled,  about  the  length  of  the  body;  peritoneum  spotted, 
not  wholly  black;  gill  membranes  partly  united,  free  from  the  isthmus; 
anal  fin  of  the  male  with  its  first  6  to  8  rays  short  and  stiff  and  sepa- 
rated from  the  rest  of  the  fin  by  a  shallow  notch;  viviparous. 


n6  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

105.  Girardinichthys  innominatus  Bleeker. 

Lucania  sp.  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  118;  City 

-  of  Mexico. 
Girardinichthys  innominatus  Bleeker,  Cyprin.,  484,  1860;  City  of 

Mexico. 

Limnurgus  variegatus  Giinther,  Cat.,  vi,  309,  1866;  City  of  Mexico. 
Girardinichthys    innominatus    Jordan     &     Evermann,    Bull.    47, 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,   666:   Garman,  Memoirs   Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  1895,  39.  pl-  Jt  fig-  U   (teeth);  City  of  Mexico:  Meek, 

Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  95;  Chalco;  Texcoco;    Xochi- 

milco. 
Characodon  geddesi  Regan,  Ann.  &  Mag.,  Nat.  Hist.,  1904,  257; 

Texcoco,  Mexico. 

Valley  of  Mexico.  Abundant  in  the  lakes,  canals,  and  ditches. 
(Viga  Canal.) 

Head  4;  depth  3  to  3^3 ;  D.  1 8  to  23;  A.  20  to  26;  scales  16-40  to  44. 
*  Body  rather  robust,  deep,  compressed,  back  not  much  elevated; 
head  flat  above;  usually  in  larger  specimens  an  angle  at  the  nape; 
interorbital  2  in  head;  snout  4;  eye  4;  mouth  small,  lower  jaw  the 
longer,  chin  prominent;  teeth  rather  strong,  conical,  in  a  band  rather 
than  in  a  single  series;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of 
caudal  and  posterior  half  of  opercle  (?)  or  eye  (6\  and  slightly  in 
advance  of  origin  of  anal  fin ;  the  fins  all  small ;  pectoral  i  %  in  head ; 
ventrals  3 ;  caudal  fin  rounded ;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  i  ^ 
in  head;  gill  rakers  short  and  stiff,  about  15  on  first  gill  arch. 

Color  grayish  to  dark  brownish,  some  males  being  almost  entirely 
black;  sides  variegated  with  darker,  usually  in  the  form  of  indefinite 
bars;  young  specimens  usually  with  a  dark  spot  slightly  in  advance 
and  a  little  above  anal;  the  color  of  this  species  is  extremely  variable. 
Length  about  2^  inches. 

My  attention  has  been  called  by  Dr.  Theo.  Gill  to  the  fact  that 
the  viviparity  of  this  fish  was  noticed  as  early  as  1769,  a  published 
account  of  it  appearing  in  1772.  The  reference  to  this  account, 
and  a  translation  of  it  by  Dr.  Theo.  Gill,  appears  in  his  Bibliography 
of  the  Fishes  of  the  Pacific  United  States,  Bull.  1 1,  U.  S.  Nat.  Museum, 
1882,  8,  which  I  here  quote  in  full. 

" 'Voyage  en  Californie  pour  1'observation  du  passage  de  Ve"nus 
sur  le  disque  du  soleil,  le  3  juin,  1769;  contenant  les  observations 
de  ce  phe"nomene  at  la  description  historique  de  la  route  de  1'auteur 
a  travers  le  Mexique.  Par  feu  M.  Chappe  d'Auteroche 
Re'dige'  et  public"  par  M.  de  Cassini  fils  .  .  .  A  Paris :  chez  Charles- 
Antoine  Jombert.  1772."  (4°,  half  title,  title,  170  (2)  pp.,  plan,  and 
2  pl.  Sabin.)' 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIIDVE.  117 

"Translated  as  follows : 

"A  voyage  to  California,  to  observe  the  Transit  of  Venus.  By 
Mons.  Chappe  d'Auteroche.  With  an  historical  description  of  the 
author's  route  through  Mexico,  and  the  natural  history  of  that  prov- 
ince. Also,  a  voyage  to  Newfoundland  and  Sallee,  to  make  experi- 
ments on  Mr.  Le  Roy's  timekeepers.  By  Monsieur  de  Cassini. 
London:  Printed  for  Edward  and  Charles  Dilly,  in  The  Poultry. 
1778.  (8°,  4p.  i.,  315  pp.,  with  'plan  of  City  of  Mexico.') 

"Extract  of  a  letter  from  Mexico  addressed  to  the  Royal  Academy 
of  Sciences  at  Paris,  by  Don  Joseph  Anthony  de  Alzate  y  Ramyrez, 
now  a  correspondent  of  the  said  academy,  containing  some  curious 
particulars  relative  to  the  natural  history  of  the  country  adjacent 
to  the  City  of  Mexico.  Pp.  77-105. 

"  It  is  undoubtedly  this  work  that  is  meant  in  the  statement  that 
has  so  largely  gone  the  rounds  of  the  periodical  press,  to  the  effect 
that  the  Californian  viviparous  fishes  were  observed  during  the  voyage 
for  the  observation  of  the  transit  of  Venus,  to  Lower  California,  1769. 
A  perusal  of  the  accounts  given,  however,  renders  it  evident  that  the 
fishes  in  question  were  not  Embiotocids,  but  rather  Cyprinodontids, 
probably  of  the  genus  Mollienesia.  The  account  by  Don  Alzate 
(pp.  89-9 1 }  is  as  follows: 

'  'I  send  you  some  viviparous  scaly  fishes,  of  which  I  had  formerly 
given  you  an  account.  What  I  have  observed  in  them  this  year  is, 
'If  you  press  the  belly  with  your  fingers,  you  force  out  the  fry  before 
their  time,  and  upon  inspecting  them  through  the  microscope,  you 
may  discern  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  such  as  it  is  to  be  when  the 
fish  is  grown  up.'  If  you  throw  these  little  fishes  into  water,  they 
will  swim  as  well  as  if  they  had  been  long  accustomed  to  live  in  that 
element:  The  fins  and  tail  of  the  males  are  larger  and  blacker  than 
those  of  the  females,  so  that  the  sex  is  easily  distinguished  at  first 
sight.  These  fish  have  a  singular  manner  of  swimming;  the  male 
and  the  female  swim  together  on  two  parallel  lines,  the  female  always 
uppermost  and  the  male. undermost  they  thus  always  keep  at  a  con- 
stant uniform  distance  from  each  other,  and  preserve  a  perfect 
parallelism.  The  female  never  makes  the  least  motion,  either  side- 
ways or  towards  the  bottom,  but  directly  the  male  does  the  same.' 

"To  this  account  is  added  a  footnote  (p.  90)  containing  the  following 
additional  information : 

"'Don  Alzate  has  sent  those  fishes  preserved  in  spirits;  their  skin 
is  covered  with  very  small  scales;  they  vary  in  length  from  an  inch 
to  eighteen  lines,  and  they  are  seldom  above  five,  six,  or  seven  lines 
in  the  broadest  part.  They  have  a  fin  on  each  side  near  the  gills, 


n8  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

two  small  ones  under  the  belly,  a  single  one  behind  the  anus,  which 
lies  between  the  fin  and  the  single  one;  the  tail  is  not  forked;  lastly, 
this  fish  has  a  long  fin  on  the  back,  a  little  above  the  fin  which  is 
under  the  belly. 

"  'We  know  of  some  viviparous  fishes  in  our  seas,  such  as  loach, 
etc. ;  most  of  these  have  a  smooth  skin  without  any  scales.  The 
needle  of  Aristotle  is  viviparous,  and  yet  covered  with  broad  and  hard 
scales.  I  have  caught  some  that  had  young  ones  still  in  their  womb. 
As  to  these  viviparous  fishes,  it  is  a  particular  and  new  sort,  and  we 
are  obliged  to  Don  Alzate  for  making  us  acquainted  with  it.  It  breeds 
in  a  lake  of  fresh  water  near  the  City  of  Mexico.' 

"This  is,  so  far  as  known,  the  earliest  notice  of  the  viviparity  of 
Cyprinodontids.  The  mode  of  consorting  together  (exaggerated  in 
the  account)  is  common  to  a  number  of  representatives,  of  the  family, 
and  is  alluded  to  by  Prof.  Agassiz  in  a  name  (Zygc^iectes ,  i.  e.,  swim- 
ming in  pairs)  conferred  on  one  of  the  genera  of  the  family." 

Subfamily  Orestiinse. 
48.     Characodoii  Giinther. 

Characodon  Gunther,  Cat.,  vi,  308,  1866.  (Type,  Characodon 
lateralis  Gunther.) 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  mouth  small;  teeth  small,  fixed, 
the  outer  series  bicuspid,  with  a  villiform  band  behind  them;  origin 
of  dorsal  fin  nearly  opposite  that  of  the  anal ;  anal  fin  with  its  first  5  or 
6  rays  short  and  stiff  and  separated  from  the  rest  by  a  shallow  notch ; 
alimentary  canal  short,  i  to  1%  times  the  total  length  of  the  fish; 
species  viviparous. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  CHARACODON. 
a.     Dorsal  and  anal  fins  very  long,  each  of  more  PAGE 

than    20   rays multiradiatus     119 

aa.  Dorsal  and  anal  rays  shorter,  each  of  less  than 

20  rays. 

b.     Scales  large,  30  to  35  in  the  lateral  series, 
c.     Dorsal  fin  slightly  in  advance  of  origin  of 
anal,  its  origin  about  midway  between  tip  of 
caudal  and  tipv  of  snout, 
d.     Anal  rays  13 ;  scales  30  to  32 ;  about  9  teeth 

in  the  upper  jaw  and  about  14  in  the  lower ei^eni     119 

dd.  Anal  rays  15  or  16;  scales  35;  about  14 
teeth  in  the  upper  jaw  and  about  16  to  18 
in  the  lower  .  .  .variatus  120 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID^.  119 

cc.   Dorsal  fin  slightly  behind  origin  of  the  anal,  PAGE 

about  midway  between  tip  of  caudal  fin  and 
opercle 
e.     Head  3)^;  dorsal  rays  10  or  n;  anal  rays 

13  to  16;  scales  12-35   later alis     121 

ee.  Head  3  to  3^;  dorsal  rays  12;  anal  rays  12 

or  13 ;  scales  n  or  12-32 garmani     121 

bb.  Scales  small,  50  in  the  lateral  series,  origin  of 
dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal 
and  base  of  pectoral,  anal  fin  inserted  below 
seventh  ray  of  dorsal furcidens  122 

106.  Characodon  multiradiatus  sp.   nov. 

Type,  No.  4523,  F.  C.  M.,  1.50  inches  in  length;  Lerma,  Mexico. 

Girardinichthys  innominatus  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull. 
U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  149;  Lago  de  Lerma,  Mexico. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma.      (Lerma.) 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  2^  to  3^;  D.  26  to  30;  A.  26  to  30;  scales 
about  45.  Body  moderately  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  head 
small,  mouth  moderate;  jaws  with  incisor-like  bicuspid  teeth;  diameter 
of  eye  slightly  greater  than  the  length  of  the  snout,  3^  in  head;  dorsal 
fin  long,  its  base  equaling  length  of  head  (?)  to  ^  longer  (<3) ;  origin 
of  dorsal  in  advance  of  anal,  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and 
eye  (?)  to  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal  ($) ;  pectoral  fin 
small,  its  length  i}4  in  head;  ventral  2  in  head;  gill  rakers  short, 
less  than  diameter  oi  the  eye,  about  15  on  first  gill  arch. 

Color  dark  olivaceous,  the  darker  markings  with  a  tendency  to 
form  crossbars ;  a  dark  blotch  on  side  above  space  between  ventral  and 
anal  fins;  margins  of  median  fins  on  male  black.  Length  about  1.80 
inches. 

This  species  in  general  form  and  color  resembles  Girardinichthys 
innominatus  Bleeker,  with  which  it  has  been  previously  identified. 

107.  Characodon  eiseni  Rutter. 

Characodon  eiseni  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,   1896,   266;  Rio 
Santiago,   Tepic:  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.   47,  U.  S.   Nat. 
Mus.,  1898,  2831;  Tepic. 
Lowland  streams  of  Jalisco  and  Tepic. 

Head  3,^;  depth  3><;  D.  n  to  13;  A.  13;  scales  12-30  to  32.  Body 
rather  deep,  somewhat  compressed;  mouth  almost  vertical  when 
closed;  anterior  teeth  bicuspid,  the  villiform  teeth  not  developed; 
about  9  teeth  in  the  upper  jaw  and  14  in  the  lower;  eye  3  in  head;  in- 
sertion of  the  dorsal  in  the  middle  of  the  total  length;  origin  of  anal 


I2O 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


under  the  fourth  ray  of -the  dorsal;  caudal  fin  broad,  truncate;  depth 
of  caudal  peduncle  2  in  head. 

Color,  male  with  a  broad  indefinite  lateral  band;  female  with  dark 
blotches  on  sides  usually  forming  distinct  cross  bands  (J.  &  E.). 
Length  about  i  ^  inches.  Known  only  from  the  type  locality. 

108.  Characodon  variatus  Bean. 

Characodon  variatus  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1887,  370,  pi.  xx, 

fig.  10;  Guanajuato:     Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1892,  286; 

Guanajuato:    Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,   1894,   62; 

Rio  Lerma.  Salamanca,  Queretaro:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  669:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Fish  Comm.,  1900,  126;  Rio  Verde,  Aguas  Calientes:  Meek, 

Field  Col.   Mus.    Pub.  65,  1902,   96:  Aguas  Calientes:   Lagos. 

Ocotlan;  Celaya;  Huingo. 
Characodon  ferrugineus  Bean,   Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,   1887,  372, 

pi.  xx,  figs.  3  and  4.  Guanajuato. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  34.    CHARACODON  VARIATUS  Bean, 

No.  37?>o8,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 


FIG.  35.    CHARACODON  VARIATUS  Bean.    5 

No.  37810  (Characodon  ferrugineus  Bean),  U.  S.  National  Museum. 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID^;.  121 

Head  3^;  depth  3;  D.  13  or  14;  A.  15  or  16;  scales  15-35.  Body 
elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  head  broad,  usually  a  slight  angle  at 
the  nape;  mouth  small,  lower  jaw  projecting;  chin  prominent;  snout 
3^  m  head;  teeth  fixed,  outer  series  bicuspid;  eye  3^2  in  head;  origin 
of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  middle  of  opercle 
(?)  or  posterior  margin  of  eye  (6),  slightly  in  advance  of  origin  of 
anal ;  pectoral  fin  i  y2  in  head ;  ventral  fin  2  ]/$ ;  caudal  fin  emarginate ; 
least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2  in  head. 

Color  light  brownish,  the  male  with  a  more  or  less  prominent  dark 
lateral  band  usually  broken  into  blotches ;  dorsal  and  caudal  fins  black 
with  a  light  yellow  border ;  scales  of  upper  part  of  body  with  dark  cen- 
ters forming  lateral  stripes  along  the  rows  of  scales;  color  of  female 
more  variegated ;  sides  with  spots  and  blotches ;  a  row  of  black  spots 
on  the  lower  half  of  the  caudal  peduncle ;  fins  all  pale ;  young  specimens 
spotted  and  much  resembling  the  young  of  Zoogoneticus  robustus 
(Bean),  but  with  larger  spots.  Length  about  3^  inches. 

The  most  abundant  and  the  best  known  species  in  the  genus. 
The  young  are  born  the  last  of  May.  The  alimentary  canal  in  some 
specimens  is  scarcely  the  length  of  the  fish,  in  others  about  1%  times 
its  length.  One  female  2,20  inches  in  length  contained  n  young,  each 
.55  inch  in  length;  a  second  one  2.50  inches  in  length  contained  23 
young,  each  .46  inch  in  length;  a  third  2.70  inches  in  length  contained 
37  young,  each  .40  inch  in  length. 

109.  Characodon  lateralis  Gunther. 

Characodon  iaterali S,  Gunther,  Cat.,  vi,  308,  1866;  Central  America: 

Gunther,  Fishes  of  Cent.  Amer.,  480,  pi.  82,  fig.  2,  1869:  Jordan 

&  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  668:  Pellegrin, 

Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1901,  205;  Estado  de  Jalisco. 

Lowland  streams  from  Central  America  north  to  the  State  of  Jalisco. 

Head  3^;  depth  3;  D.  10  or  n;  A.  13  (?)  to  15  or  16  (<$),  scales 

12-35.     Body  elevated,  the  neck  somewhat  arched;  head  thick  and 

broad,  the  snout  obtuse,  as  long  as  the  eye;  about  20  teeth  in  each  jaw, 

their  tips  indistinctly  notched ;  eye  4  in  head ;  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin 

a  little  nearer  end  of  caudal  than  of  occiput,  a  little  behind  anal; 

caudal  fin  small,  truncate  or  slightly  convex. 

Color  brownish  olive  with  a  darker  band  running  from  eye  to  the 
root  of  the  caudal ;  this  band  sometimes  broken  up  into  a  more  or  less 
regular  series  of  brownish  spots.  (Gunther.) 

110.  Characodon  garmani  Jordan   &    Evermann. 

Characodon  lateralis  Garman,  Mem.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  xix,  1895,  36, 
pi.  i,  fig.  9  (not  Characodon  lateralis  Gunther) ;  Parras,  Coahuila, 
Mexico. 


122  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Characodon  garmani  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1898,  2831. 

Spring  and  headwaters  of  the  Rio  Mezquital  near  Durango,  spring 
at  Labor  and  the  Rio  Nazas  at  Parras.  (Durango;  Labor.) 

Head  3^;  depth  2^  to  3;  D.  13;  A.  13;  scales  13-33.  Body 
robust,  somewhat  compressed;  snout  short,  4  in  head;  lower  jaw  the 
longer,  chin  prominent;  diameter  of  eye  3^3 ;  interorbital  area  2^  in 
head ;  origin  of  dorsal  to  base  of  caudal  about  2  ^  in  its  distance  from 
tip  of  snout;  origin  of  anal  slightly  in  advance  of  that  of  dorsal;  pec- 
toral fin  2  in  head;  ventrals  3^;  caudal  fin  rounded;  least  depth  of 
caudal  peduncle  2  in  head. 

Color  olive  reddish  to  light  brownish;  males  uniform  or  with  bars 
on  caudal  peduncle,  sides  of  females  more  or  less  barred  or  blotched 
and  lighter  in  color  than  males ;  usually  on  sides  a  dark  broad  lateral 
band,  more  broken  up  in  bars  on  females  than  on  males;  on  males  the 
dorsal  and  caudal  fins  with  a  dark  band  near  tip  bordered  with  lighter ; 
in  life  the  larger  males  red,  occasionally  males  with  only  one  or  two 
black  blotches  on  the  sides;  the  color  very  variable.  Length  about 
i^  inches. 

The  young  are  born  early  in  June.  It  is  quite  probable  that  the 
specimens  described  by  Prof.  Garman  are  from  Durango  instead  of 
Parras. 

111.  Characodon  furcidens  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Characodon  furcidens  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.. 

1882 , 354 :  Cape  San  Lucas,  Lower  California :  Garman,  Memoirs, 

Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  xix,  1895,  3^  5  Cape  San  Lucas  (probably  from 

the  lagoons  at  La  Paz) :  Jordan  &  Evermann.  Bull.  47,  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  670;  Cape  San  Lucas;  Colima:  Pellegrin,  Bull. 

Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1901;   Rio  San  Pedro,  Tuxpan,  Jalisco. 

Lowland  streams  of  Jalisco  and  Colima  and  the  southern  portion 

of  Lower  California. 

Head  4;  depth  s£;  D.  15  to  17;  A.  13;  scales  about  15-50.  Bodv 
comparatively  elongate,  not  much  compressed,  the  head  rather  low 
and  broad,  depressed,  interorbital  area  slightly  more  than  two  in  head, 
anterior  teeth  large,  firmly  fixed  and  bicuspid ;  a  band  of  minute  teeth 
behind  them;  eye  rather  large,  3^  m  head,  origin  of  dorsal  fin  mid- 
way between  base  of  caudal  and  pectoral :  origin  of  anal  under  seventh 
dorsal  ray :  pectoral  fin  i  %  in  head ;  ventral  fin  2 :  caudal  fin  obliquely 
truncate,  very  slightly  emarginate;  caudal  peduncle  comparatively 
long  and  slender. 

Color  of  males  profusely  mottled  with  darker;  sometimes  nearly 
plain;  vertical  fins  each  with  several  brownish  bars  or  blotches  and 


FAMILY  XL     PCECILIID^;.  123 

each  with  a  dusky  subterminal  bar;  a  narrow  dark  line  along  middle  of 
each  row  of  scales  on  the  back ;  females  with  several  short  dark  bars  on 
the  posterior  halt  of  the  body;  some  dark  specks  on  caudal  peduncle. 
(Jordan  &  Evermann.) 

49.     Chapaliclithys  Meek. 

Chapalichthys  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  97.  (Type, 
Characodon  encaustus  Jordan  &  Snyder.) 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  caudal  peduncle  long  and  slender; 
about  half  to  three-fourths  of  the  dorsal  fin  in  front  of  oiigin  of  anal; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  anterior 
margin  of  the  orbit ;  dorsal  fin  of  male  higher  than  that  of  female;  anal 
fin  with  its  first  five  or  six  rays  short  and  stiff  and  separated  from  the  rest 
of  the  fin  by  a  shallow  notch;  teeth  in  2  series,  the  outer  enlarged, 
bicuspid  and  firmly  attached;  the  inner  series  small,  and  in  small 
patches;  alimentary  canal  elongate,  convolute  or  irregularly  in  3  coils 
on  the  right  side,  its  length  nearly  twice  the  length  of  the  fish;  peri- 
toneum black,  caudal  fin  truncate;  gill  rakers  long  and  slender;  verte- 
brae 18-1-19=37;  viviparous. 

This  genus  has  the  long  alimentary  canal  of  Goodea  and  the  firm 
bicuspid  teeth  of  Characodon;  the  dorsal  fin  is  considerably  more  ad- 
vanced in  this  genus  than  either  Goodea  or  Characodon. 

112.  Chapalichthys  encaustus  (Jordan  &  Snyder). 

Characodon  cncaustus  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  126,  fig.  7,  Lago  de  Chapala,  Ocotlan,  Jalisco:  Jordan  & 
Evermaim,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1901,  3150;  Pellegrin, 
Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1901,  205;  Estado  de  Jalisco. 

Chapalichthys  enraiistus  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  97; 
La  Barca;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  36.    CHAPALICHTHYS  ENCAUSTUS  (Jordan  &  Snyder). 

No.  6163,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  3^  to  3$;  depth  3^  to  3^;  D.  16;  A.  15  or  16,  scales  13- 
34  or  35.  Body  oblong,  compressed;  head  moderate;  interorbital  area 
nearly  flat,  its  width  2f  in  head;  lower  jaw  the  longer;  chin  promi- 


124  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

nent;  outer  series  of  teeth  enlarged,  firm,  and  bicuspid;  snout  4  in 
head;  eye  3;  dorsal  fin  high,  its  origin  slightly  nearer  base  of  caudal 
than  tip  of  snout ;  about  half  of  the  fin  in  front  of  origin  of  anal ;  pec- 
toral fin  i^  in  head;  ventral  fin  1^4,  caudal  peduncle  long  and 
slender,  its  least  depth  2  in  head;. the  caudal  fin  slightly  emarginate. 

Color  light  brownish  with  8  or  9  spots  along  the  middle  of  the  sides, 
occasionally  forming  short  bars,  each  sometimes  broken  in  the  middle, 
forming  two  bars;  usually  a  large  black  spot  about  the  size  of  pupil 
above  and  a  little  forward  of  the  origin  of  the  anal;  fins  all  plain. 
Length  about  4  inches. 

One  female  2.70  inches  in  length  contained  21  young,  each  .40  inch, 
in  length.     The  young  are  born  the  latter  part  of  May. 

5O.     Cypriiiocloii  Lacepede. 
PURSEY  MINNOWS. 

Cyprinodon  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  v,  486,  1803.  (Type, 
Cyprinodon  variegatus  Lacepede.) 

Prinodon  Rafinesque,  Analyse  de  la  Nature,  1815,  88.  (Type, 
Cyprinodon  variegatus  Lacepede.) 

Body  very  short  and  stout,  the  dorsal  region  elevated;  mouth 
small;  teeth  incisor-like,  tri cuspid,  in  a  single  series;  scales  large, 
dorsal  fin  inserted  in  advance  of  anal;  ventrals  small  or  wanting;  gill 
openings  restricted;  the  opercle  above  adnate  to  shoulder  girdle:  ali- 
mentary canal  little  longer  than  the  body.  Oviparus.  Spawning 
time  June  and  July. 

This  genus  comprises  a  group  of  small  chubby  fishes  inhabiting 
fresh  or  brackish  waters.  They  are  found  living  in  small  springs  and 
isolated  bodies  of  water  in  the  desert  regions  of  southwestern  United 
States  and  northern  half  of  Mexico,  where  no  other  fishes  are  found. 
The  species  are  very  variable.  It  would  perhaps  be  quite  as  well  to 
regard  the  species  listed  below  as  varieties  of  Cyprinodon  clegans. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  CYPRINODON. 

a.     Color  markings  on  the  side  with  a  tendency  to  PAGE 

form  cross-bars, 
b.     Scales  28  in'the  lateral  series;  dorsal  rays  8  or 

9;  anal  8  to  10. 
c.     Dorsal  fin  yellow;  caudal  fin  light,  much 

speckled  with  darker eximins     125 

cc.  Dorsal  fin  dark,  or  with  anterior  half  yel- 
lowish; caudal  fin  plain,  not  speckled  with 
darker * elegans  125 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID.E.  125 

bb.  Scales  24  or  25  in  the  lateral  series;  dorsal  PAGE 

rays  9  to  n  ;  anal  10  or  1 1 macularis  126 

aa.  Color  markings  on  side  with  a  tendency  to  form 

longitudinal  bands latijasciatus  126 

113.  Cyprinodon  eximius  Girard. 

Cyprinodon  eximius  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  158: 
Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua:  Woolman,  Bull  U.  S.  Fish  Coinm.. 
1894,  59,  Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  673 ;  Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua. 
Cyprinodon  elegant  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  59; 
Rio   Chihuahua,   Chihuahua:  Garman,  Memoirs,  Mus.   Comp. 
Zool.,  1895,  23;  Rio  Grande;  Rio  Chihuahua:  Jordan  &  Sny- 
der.  Bull.  U.  S    Fish   Comm.,  1900,  127;   lagoons   near  Tam- 
pico:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  97  (in part);  Chihua- 
hua, San  Andres;  Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez;  San  Jose;  Ahumada. 
North,  central,  and  northeastern  Mexico,  from  the  Rio  Panuco  to 
the  Rio  Grande.    (Sauz.) 

Head  3^;  depth  2^/3 ;  D.  8  or  9;  A.  9  or  10;  scales  11-28.  Body 
deep,  compressed;  head  small;  snout  bluntish;  interorbital  convex, 
2)^  in  head;  diameter  of  eye  equals  snout  3^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal 
fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  anterior  margin  of  the  orbit; 
base  of  dorsal  fin  i^  in  head,  pectoral  fin  1^3  in  head;  ventral  fin  2^ ; 
caudal  fin  truncate;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  i  ^  in  head. 
Color  of  adult  male  dark  brownish;  sides  with  about  5  indistinct 
dark  bars,  much  wider  than  the  inter-spacing;  dorsal  and  anal  fins 
nearly  white;  caudal  light,  much  variegated  with  black  and  with  a 
broad  dark  margin;  tips  of  anal  and  pectoral  black;  females  lighter, 
variegated  with  darker  with  a  tendency  to  form  vertical  bars ,  last 
rays  of  dorsal  with  a  black  blotch ;  caudal  fin  of  female  variegated  or 
speckled  with  black.  Length  about  2.%  inches. 
Spawning  time  in  July. 

114.  Cyprinodon  elegans  Baird  £  Girard. 

Cyprinodon  eh^ans  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
I853,  389;  Comanche  Spring,  Texas:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur., 
66,  pi.  xxxvii,  figs.  1-7,  1859;  Comanche  Spring,  Texas:  Jordan 
&  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  675:  Evermann 
&  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  149;  Lago  de 
Santa  Maria,  Chihuahua:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65',  1902, 
97  (in  part);  Colonia  Juarez;  Guzman;  Santa  Maria;  Minaca. 

Cyprinodon  eximius  Bean,  Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  1898,  168; 
San  Diego,  Chihuahua. 


126  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Northern  Mexico,  in  the  basin  of  the  Rio  Grande. 
.  Head  $]/$',  depth  2  to  2^3;  D.  9;  A.  8  or  9;  scales  12-28.  Body 
deep,  compressed;  snout  bluntish;  interorbital  convex,  2*^  in  head; 
eye  equals  length  of  snout,  3%  in  head,  origin  of  dorsal  midway  be- 
tween base  of  caudal  and  preorbital ;  base  of  dorsal  i  Vz  in  head ;  pec- 
toral iy$  in  head;  ventral  2^;  caudal  fin  truncate;  least  depth  of 
caudal  peduncle  i^  in  head. 

Color  of  males  dark  brownish  with  from  6  to  10  rather  indistinct 
vertical  bars ;  caudal  plain  with  a  black  margin ;  anterior  half  of  dorsal 
yellowish,  its  last  rays  dark;  pectorals,  ventrals,  and  anal  tipped 
with  black;  females  lighter,  marbled  with  darker,  which  has  a  ten- 
dency to  form  cross-bars,  and  also  an  indefinite  lateral  band ;  dorsal  and 
anal  with  a  black  spot  on  last  rays.  Length  2.50  inches. 

This  species  spawns  in  July. 

115.  Cyprinodon  macularius  Baird  &  Girard. 

Cyprinodon  macidarius  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Sci.  Phila., 
1853,  389;  Rio  San  Pedro,  Arizona:  Gilbert  &  Scofield,  Proc. 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  498;  spring-fed  pond  at  Lerdo.  Mexico. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Colorado. 

Head  3  to  3^;  depth  2  to  2g  ;  D.  9  to  n ;  A.  10  or  n ;  scales  24  or 
25.  Body  of  adults  deep,  the  young  more  slender;  length  of  snout 
about  equaling  diameter  of  eye,  about  3^3  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin 
midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  occiput. 

Color  variable;  males  with  back  and  sides  uniformly  dusky,  the 
lower  parts  lighter;  all  of  the  fins  in  most  brightly  colored  individuals 
broadly  margined  with  black ;  females  with  the  lower  half  of  the  sides 
as  well  as  belly  lighter,  often  silvery  white ;  the  sides  crossed  by  black 
bars,  which  are  wide  along  the  middle  of  the  body,  but  becoming  much 
narrower  than  the  interspaces  on  the  lower  half  of  the  sides,  these 
bars  varying  in  number  and  size  and  often  alternating  with  narrower, 
fainter,  and  shorter  ones;  fins  light;  the  dorsal  either  with  or  without 
a  black  blotch  on  its  posterior  ravs;  the  males  sometimes  show  dusky 
bars.  (Gilbert.) 

116.  Cyprinodon  latifasciatus  Garman. 

Cyprinodon  latiiasciatus  Garman,  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1881, 
92  ;  Pairas,  Coahuila,  Mexico:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U. 
S  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  676. 

Rio  Nasas  and  the  headwaters  of  the  Rio  Mezquital.  (Labor; 
Durango.) 

Head  3^;  depth  2^3 ;  D.  9;  A.  9  or  10;  scales  11-26.  Body  robust, 
deep,  moderately  compressed;  head  short,  snout  bluntish;  mouth 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID.E.  127 

small,  terminal,  interorbital  slightly  convex,  2^  in  head;  eye  small, 
equaling  the  length  of  the  snout.  3/^3  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  mid- 
way between  base  of  caudal  and  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  base  of 
dorsal  2  in  head;  pectoral  1^3  in  head;  ventral  3  in  head;  caudal  fin 
rounded;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  r^  in  head. 

Color  of  adult  males  very  dark  to  light  brownish;  caudal  fin  plain 
with  a  narrow  black  band  at  tip;  ventrals  and  anal  plain,  tipped  with 
black;  dorsal  fin  dark;  females  are  much  lighter,  the  larger  ones  much 
speckled  with  small  dark  dots;  faint  dark  bands  on  middle  of  side 
along  rows  of  scales;  a  black  blotch  on  last  rays  of  dorsal  and  anal; 
the  smaller  females  more  or  less  blotched  with  darker,  but  much  less 
than  in  the  preceding  species.  Length  about  2.55  inches.  The  fe- 
males taken  are  full  of  quite  mature  eggs. 

The  specimens  from  Labor  average  larger  than  those  taken  in  the 
river  at  Durango.  Professor  Garman  gives  dorsal  rays  12';  anal  rays 
ii.  No  doubt  he  counted  the  rudiments  as  well.  There  is  some 
doubt  as  to  whether  or  not  Prof.  Garman's  specimens  really  came  from 
Parras,  Coahuila  I  am  inclined  to  believe  the  types  of  this  species, 
also  the  types  of  Characodon  garmani  Jordan  &  Evermann  came  from 
near  Durango. 

Subfamily  Gambusiinse. 

51.     Pseudoxipliophorus  Bleeker. 

Pseudoxiphophorus  Bbeker,  Irhthvol.  Ind.  Prod.  Cupr.,  483,  1860. 
(Type,  Xiphophorus  bimaculatus  Heckel.) 

P'vcilioides  Steindachner,  Sitzgsber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1863.  176. 
(Type.  Xiphophorus  bimaculatus  Heckel.) 

Body  elongate,  robust;  head  flat,  depressed  forward;  dorsal  fin 
long,  its  base  about  one-half  longer  than  head;  anal  fin  of  male 
modified  into  an  intromittent  organ;  teeth  conical,  in  a  band  on  each 
jaw,  the  outer  series  enlarged;  gill  rakers  short  and  stiff,  about  16  on 
first  arch  those  on  upper  portion  of  the  arch  the  longer;  alimentary 
canal  short,  less  than  the  length  of  the  body;  vertebra?  18  +  14=32. 
One  species  known,  viviparous. 

117.  Pseudoxiphophorus  bimaculatus   (Heckel). 

Xiphophorus  bimaculatus  Heckel,  Sitz.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1848, 
196;  Mexico. 

Pseudoxiphophorus  bimaculalus  Gunther,  Cat.,  vi,  333,  1866:  Gar- 
man, Memoirs,  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  xix,  1895,  81,  pi.  in,  fig.  6 
(teeth),  pi.  vni,  fig.  9  (male) ;  Mexico:  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 
Comm.  1894,  65;  Rio  Blanca,  Orizaba:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 


128  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat  Mus.,  1896,  678:  B.  A.  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.  1898,  541;  Mirador:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65. 
1902,  98;  Jalapa. 

Pseudoxiphophorus  pauciradiatus*  Regan,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist., 
1894,  256;  Orizaba,  Vera  Cruz. 

Streams  of  the  eastern  slope  of  Mexico  from  Jalapa  to  the  Isthmus 
of  Tehuantepec.  ''Jalapa ;  Xico ;  Cordoba ;  Otopa :  Motzorongo ;  El  Hule ; 
Obispo;  Perez;  Sanborn.) 

Head  4;  depth  3^  to  4;  D.  13  to  15 ;  A.  8  or  9;  scales  9-30.  Body 
elongate,  rather  robust,  not  much  compressed;  head  depressed  for- 
ward; interorbital  nearly  flat,  i£  in  head;  snout  2^  to  3;  eye  3^; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  in  advance  of  anal  (?),  midway  between  base  of 
caudal  and  tip  of  snout,  or  slightly  nearer  base  of  caudal;  the  base  of 
the  dorsal  very  long,  about  y*  longer  than  the  head ;  pectoral  fin  short 
and  broad,  1^3  in  head;  ventral  fin  2  in  hea.d;  caudal  fin  rounded ; 
caudal  peduncle  robust,  1%  in  head. 

Color  dark  brownish;  posterior  margin  of  each  scale  black,  making 
prominent  outlines  on  scales ;  a  large  black  blotch  on  upper  y$  of  base 
of  caudal ;  some  black  on  membrane  of  dorsal  fin ;  a  black  band  across 
middle  of  anal.  Length  about  3%  inches. 

This  species  is  very  variable,  and  is  quite  plentiful  in  all  streams 
of  Vera  Cruz  from  Jalapa  to  Sanborn.  At  Xico,  the  highest  point 
from  which  I  made  collections,  it  was  the  only  species  taken.  The 
largest  specimens  collected  are  from  Cordoba,  the  longest  being  about 
3.50  inches.  One  female  from  Cordoba,  3.35  inches  in  length,  con- 
tained 45  eggs,  each  .115  inch  in  diameter.  The  young  are  probably 
born  in  May. 

52.     (rambusia     Poey. 

GUAZACONES. 

Gambusia  Poey,  Memorias,  i,  382,  1855.  (Type,  Gambusia  punctata 

Poey.) 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  mouth  moderate,  the 
lower  jaw  projecting;  each  jaw  with  a  band  of  pointed  teeth,  the  outer 

*Mr.  C.  T.  Regan  admits  two  species  in  this  genus.  He  says:  "It 
(Pseudoxiphophorus  bimaculatus  Heckel)  differs  from  Pseudoxiphophorus  pauci- 
radiatus Regan  in  having  a  longer  head  and  longer  snout,  and  in  the  dorsal  fin 
with  14  to  1 6  rays  commencing  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of 
caudal,  its  base  about  ^  of  the  total  length.  P.  pauciradiatus  Regan  has  D. 
ii  to  13,  origin  of  dorsal  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  to  tip  of  snout,  the  length 
of  its  base  about  4  times  in  the  total  length." 

The  species  is  very  variable.  In  some  specimens  in  the  museum  collection 
from  Cordoba  the  base  of  the  dorsal  fin  is  longer  than  head,  in  others  equal  to 
or  shorter,  the  number  of  rays  in  dorsal  fin  is  13  to  15,  very  seldom  12  or  16. 
This  species  ranges  from  about  6,000  feet  to  sea  level. 


FAMILY  XL     PCECILIID.E.  129 

ones  being  the  larger ;  teeth  not  movable ;  scales  large ;  dorsal  and  anal 
fins  usually  small,  the  dorsal  in  advance  of  the  anal ;  anal  fin  of  male 
much  advanced,  and  modified  into  an  intromittent  organ  which  is 
about  as  long  as  head ;  alimentary  canal  short,  usually  about  the  length 
of  the  body;  branchiostegals  6;  vertebrae  about  32. 

This  genus  comprises  a  group  of  small  fishes  living  in  swamps, 
ponds,  and  small  streams  of  southern  United  States,  Cuba,  Mexico, 
and  Central  America.  They  are  viviparous  and  feed  on  insects,  seeds, 
and  crustaceans. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  GAMBUSIA. 

a.     Body  with  from  2  to  6  narrow,  dark  vertical  PAGE 

bars  from  medial  line  of  dorsal  to  or  below 

axis  of  the  body fasciata     129 

aa.  Body  without  narrow  dark  vertical  bars  on  its 

upper  half. 

b.  Side  with  a  broad  dark  interrupted  band, 
made  up  of  short  vertical  bars ;  origin  of  dorsal 
fin  to  base  of  caudal  2  in  its  distance  to  tip  of 

snout gracilis     130 

bb.  Side  with  a  narrow  dark  continuous  band  or 

streak, 
c.     Scales  in  the  lateral  series  30  or  more;  head 

3/4  to  3^4  in  the  body affinis     130 

cc.  Scales  in  the  lateral  series  26  to  28;  head  4^ 

in  the  body \ infans     131 

bbb.  Sides  without  band    or    streak    except  on 

middle  of  caudal  peduncle ;  scales  8-3  2 bonita     132 

118.  Gambusia  fasciata  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4715,  F.  C.  M.,  2.1  inches  in  length;  San  Geronimo, 
Oaxaca. 

Pacific  slope  streams  of  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec.  (San 
Geronimo;  Tehuantepec.) 


FIG.  37.    GAMBUSIA  FASCIATA  Meek. 


130  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Head  4^4',  depth  3!  to  4;  D.  7  ;  A.  7  ;  scales  8-32.  Body  elongate, 
not  much  compressed;  head  small,  flat  above;  interorbital  2  in  head; 
mouth  small;  jaws  about  equal;  teeth  in  jaws  in  a  band,  the  outer 
series  enlarged;  all  of  the  teeth  conical;  snout  3^  in  head;  eye  3  in 
head ;  origin  of  dorsal  to  base  of  caudal  i  K  m  its  distance  from  tip  of 
snout,  about  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  middle  of  pectoral  fin ; 
anal  fin  (?)  in  advance  of  dorsal;  pectoral  fin  i%  in  head;  ventral  2% ; 
caudal  fin  truncate;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  \%  in  head;  ali- 
mentary canal  i|  times  total  length  of  the  fish;  peritoneum  black. 

Color  light  brownish ;  a  dark  vertebral  streak ;  side  with  from  3  to  5 
narrow  vertical  bars  which  extend  from  dorsal  region  to  middle  of  side, 
occasionally  one  or  two  bars  reaching  ventral  region ;  a  black  spot  on 
first  two  dorsal  rays  near  their  base ;  region  in  front  of  anal  and  basal 
half  of  first  rays  black;  iris  black;  a  dark  line  on  under  side  of 
caudal  peduncle.  Length  2  inches. 

One  female  contained  27  eggs,  young  quite  well  developed. 

119.  Gambusia  gracilis   (Heckel). 

Xiphophorus  gracilis  Heckel,  Sitzgsber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1848, 
•  300;  Orizaba,  Mexico. 

Gambusia  gracilis  Garman,  Memoirs,  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  xix,  1895, 
85;  Mexico  and  Central  America:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 
47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  683:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65, 
1902,  99;  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas. 

Streams  on  both  sides  of  the  divide  south  of  the  City  of  Mexico. 
(Cuautla;  Yautepec;  Jojutla;  Chietla.) 

Head  4;  depth  3^3  to  3;  D.  6;  A.  9;  scales  8-30.  Body  rather 
slender,  not  much  compressed;  head  small,  mouth  small,  lower  jaw 
the  longer,  teeth  in  the  outer  series  enlarged;  snout  pointed,  3^  in 
head;  diameter  of  eye  3  >£ ;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  (?)  behind  that  of  anal, 
its  distance  from  base  of  caudal  i  ^  in  distance  from  tip  of  snout ;  pec- 
toral fin  i  %  in  head ;  ventral  2 ;  caudal  fin  rounded ;  least  depth  of 
caudal  peduncle  if  in  head;  peritoneum  dark;  alimentary  canal 
shorter  than  the  length  of  the  fish. 

Color  dark  brownish,  each  scale  with  light  edgings;  no  spots  on  the 
fins ;  a  broad  dark  lateral  band  more  or  less  broken  up  into  short  ver- 
tical bars;  iris  black.  Length  about  2  inches. 

The  young  are  probably  born  early  in  May. 

120.  Gambusia  affinis   (Baird  &  Girard). 

Heterandria  affinis  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
1853,  390;  Rio  Medina  and  Rio  Salada,  Texas. 

Heterandria  nobilis  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
1853,  390;  Comanche  Spring,  Rio  Grande. 


FAMILY  XL     PCECILIID.E.  131 

Gambusia    nobilis   Girard,   Mex.   Bd.   Sur.,    71,    pi.    xxxix,    figs. 
8— ii,  1859;    Comanche  Spring:   Woolman,    Bull.    U.    S.    Fish 
Comm.,  1894,  60;  Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua. 
Gambusia  speciosa  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  121; 
Rio  San  Diego,  a  tributary  of   Rio  San  Juan  near  Cadereita, 
Nuevo  Leon. 
Gambusia  gracilis  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  121; 

Matamoras. 
Gambusia  senilis  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  122; 

Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua. 

Gambusia  patruelis  Garman,  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1881,  93; 
Monclova,  Mexico:  Garman,  Memoirs,  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1895, 
84;  Mexico. 

Gambusia  affinis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,    680:    Jordan    &    Snyder,    Bull.    U.    S.    Fish    Comm., 
1900,  127;  lagoons  near  Tampico:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub. 
65,  1902,  98;  Jimenez;  Santa  Rosalia;  Chihuahua;  San  Andres. 
Lowland  streams  of  the  south  Atlantic  states  and  Gulf  coasts  to 
the  Rio  Panuco  and  to  the  Rio  Conchos  in  Chihuahua.      (Sauz;  Mon- 
terey; Garza  Valdez;  La  Cruz;  Santa  Engracia;  Forlon;  Valles.) 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  3^  to  4;  D.  7  or  8;  A.  8;  scales  9-32.  Body 
rather  robust,  not  much  compressed;  head  rather  large,  flat  .above, 
interorbital  2  in  head;  snout  3  in  head;  lower  jaw  the  longer;  teeth  in 
jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  series  enlarged;  diameter  of  eye  3  in  head; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  o\nr  middle  of  last  ray  of  anal,  its  distance  from 
base  of  caudal  i  %  in  its  distance  to  tip  of  snout ;  pectoral  i  %  in  head ; 
ventrals  2%  in  head;  caudal  fin  truncate;  least  depth  of  caudal 
peduncle  iX  m  head;  alimentary  canal  about  as  long  as  the  body; 
peritoneum  dusky. 

Color  light  olive,  edges  of  scales  dark;  a  faint  dark  lateral  streak  or 
dusky  band  on  sides ;  sides  and  belly  dusted  with  black  dots ;  a  narrow 
band  downward  and  backward  from  eye;  occasionally  some  dark  on 
anal  fin;  other  fins  plain.  Length  about  2  inches. 

One  female  1.6  inches  in  length,  collected  the  last  week  in  May, 
contained  22  eggs,  eye  spots  not  formed. 

121.  Gambusia  infans  Woolman. 

Gambusia  infans  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  62,  pi.  2, 
fig.  3;  Rio  Lerma,  Salamanca,  Guanajuato:  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann, Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  680:  Meek,  Field  Col. 
Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  99;  Celaya;  Ocotlan;  La  Barca;  Huingo. 
Gambiisia  affinis  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1901,  205; 
Lago  de  Zacoalco,  Estado  de  Jalisco. 


132  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — -ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  38.    GAMBUSIA  INFANS  Woolman. 

No.  45570.  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

Head  4^;  depth  3^";  D.  7 ;  A.  7;  scales  8-28.  Body  robust, 
moderately  compressed;  head  small,  flat  above,  its  interorbital  width 
2  in  head;  snout  4  in  head;  mouth  small,  lower  jaw  the  longer;  teeth  in 
jaws  in  bands,  outer  series  the  larger;  diameter  of  eye  3  in  head;  origin 
of  dorsal  over  last  anal  rays,  its  distance  from  base  of  caudal  1^3  in 
distance  from  tip  of  snout ;  pectoral  i l/^  in  head ;  ventral  2  ^ ;  caudal 
fin  truncate;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  i^  in  head;  alimentary 
canal  about  i  X  times  the  length  of  fish ;  peritoneum  dusky, 

Color  light  olivaceous ;  edges  of  scales  darker ;  a  narrow  dark  stripe 
on  body;  belly  and  sides  not  punctulate  with  dark  dots;  fins  all  plain. 
Length  about  2  inches. 

The  young  of  this  species  are  born  about  the  middle  of  June. 

122.  Gambusia  bonita  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4630,  F.  C.  M.,  2.5  inches  in  length;  Refugio,  Vera 
Cruz. 

Upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Papaloapam.    (Motzorongo;  Refugio.) 


FIG.  39.    GAMBUSIA  BONITA  Meek. 


FAMILY  XL     PceciLiiDyE.  133 

Head  3^ ',  depth  3^ ;  D.  7  or  8;  A.  9 ;  scales  8-32.  Body  elongate, 
somewhat  compressed,  profile  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  a 
straight  line;  head  moderate,  mouth  rather  large,  oblique;  the  lower 
jaw  the  longer;  teeth  conical,  in  a  band,  the  outer  series  enlarged; 
snout  3^4"  m  head;  eye  3  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  to  base  of  caudal  \% 
in  its  distance  from  tip  of  snout,  about  midway  between  base  of  caudal 
and  base  of  pectoral  fin;  anal  (an  females)  well  in  advance  of  dorsal; 
pectoral  1%  in  head;  ventral  2%;  caudal  fin  slightly  rounded,  least 
depth  of  caudal  peduncle  if  in  head;  alimentary  canal  shorter  than 
length  of  fish;  peritoneum  black;  vertebrae  15  +  16=31. 

Color  dark  olivaceous  above,  white  below;  on  darker  portion  of  the 
body  each  scale  has  a  light  margin  forming  lateral  stripes  along  the 
rows  of  scales;  caudal  fin  usually  tipped  with  black;  a  narrow  dark 
streak  on  middle  of  caudal  peduncle,  this  more  prominent  on  the 
males;  iris  black.  Length  about  2^  inches. 

One  female  2.36  inches  in  length  contained  38  partially  hatched 
eggs. 

The  young,  are  probably  born  in  May. 

53.    Paragambusia  gen.  nov. 

Type,  Gambusia  nicaraguensis  Giinther. 

Anal  fin  falcate,  its  first  3  rays  much  produced,  longer  than 
head,  otherwise  essentially  as  in  Gambusia. 

123.  Paragambusia  nicaraguensis   (Giinther). 

Gambusia  nicaraguensis  Giinther,  Cat.,  vi,  336,  1866;  Lake  of 
Nicaragua:  Gunther,  Fishes  Cent.  Amer.,  483,  pi.  82,  fig.  3, 
1869;  Lake  of  Nicaragua:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  682. 

Southern  Mexico  and  Central  America.  (Otopa;  Boca  del  Rio;  El 
Hule;  Obispo;  Perez.) 

Head  3^;  depth  2^;  D.  6;  A.  10;  scales  10-26.  Body  rather 
robust,  much  compressed;  head  small,  depressed;  interorbital  flat,  i^ 
in  head;  snout  wedge-shaped,  3^  in  head;  teeth  pointed;  diameter  of 
eye  3  in  head ;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  (?)  almost  entirely  behind  anal,  its 
distance  from  base  of  caudal  2  in  its  distance  from  tip  of  snout;  anal 
fin  of  female  with  its  first  3  or  4  rays  produced  and  falciform,  the  longest 
ray  equaling  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  base  of  pectoral  fin ;  pectoral 
fin  equals  length  of  head;  ventral  2  in  head,  one  of  its  rays  slightly 
produced;  caudal  fin  rounded;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  i^  in 
head ;  peritoneum  black ;  alimentary  canal  less  than  length  of  the  fish. 


134  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Color  light  brownish;  dorsal  and  caudal  fins  spotted  with  black 
dots ;  in  the  larger  females  the  produced  anal  rays  are  black ;  a  dark  bar 
downward  and  backward  from  eye.  Length  about  2  inches. 

Female  1.20  inches  in  length,  collected  last  week  of  April,  con- 
tained 1 8  eggs  in  which  only  the  eye  spots  were  shown. 

54.     Glaridichthys  Garman. 

Glaridodon  Garman,  Mem.  Mus.  Comp.  Zoology,  xix,  1895,  40. 
(Type,  Girardinus  uninotatus  Poey.) 

Glaridichthys  Garman,  Amer.  Nat.,  1896,  232  (substitute  for  Glari- 
dodon; preoccupied). 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  caudal  peduncle  of  mod- 
erate depth;  head  depressed,  slightly  arched;  snout  short,  blunt;  chin 
steep;  mouth  directed  upward;  lower  jaws  the  longer,  firmly  united; 
an  outer  series  of  broad,  cusped,  hooked  teeth  firmly  set  in  each  jaw, 
behind  these  a  band  of  smaller  ones,  sharp,  pointed,  expanded  and 
hooked  near  the  apex;  anal  fin  in  advance  of  dorsal;  intestine  long; 
scales  large.  (Garman.) 

124.  Glaridichthys  latidens   (Garman). 

Glaridodon  latidens  Garman,  Memoirs,  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  xix,  1895, 
42,  pi.  v,vfig.  ii  (teeth);  Chihuahua. 

Head  about  3^;  depth  about  3>^;  D.  8;  A.  10;  scales  28  to  30. 
Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  snout  short,  blunt,  rounded; 
chin  very  steep;  mouth  rather  wide,  arched  transversely,  directed 
upward;  teeth  chisel-shaped,  hooked  and  strong  in  the  outer  series; 
inner  teeth  in  bands,  pointed,  commonly  expanded  near  the  apex  as  if 
2  or  3  cusped;  eye  large,  longer  than  snout,  3  in  head;  dorsal  origin  a 
little  behind  the  middle  of  the  total  length,  above  middle  of  the  base  of 
the  anal;  ventrals  Very  small,  not  reaching  anal;  pectorals  moderate, 
reaching  behind  bases  of  ventrals;  caudal  as  long  as  head,  subtruncate 
or  convex ;  vertebrae  13-4-19=32. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  darker  on  back,  silvery  on  opercles;  throat 
and  belly  apparently  somewhat  lighter  along  the  middle  of  the  flank ; 
narrow  brown  vertical  bars  on  the  sides,  more  distinct  behind  the  ab- 
domen, one  of  them  situated  below  the  extremity  of  the  base  of  the 
dorsal ;  fins  clouded  with  brownish ;  top  of  head  dark ;  a  dark  line  from 
anal  to  caudal;  in  cases  a  smaller  line  on  the  middle  of  the  side;  the 
brown  color  in  punctulations,  sometimes  arranged  toward  the  edges 
of  the  scales.  (Garman.) 

I  do  not  know  this  species,  and  I  am  inclined  to  think  there  is  some 
mistake  in  the  locality  given  for  it.  I  do  not  believe  this  genus  is 
represented  in  northern  Mexico. 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID^E.  135 

55.     Beloiiesox  Kner. 

Belonesox  Kner,  Sitzgsber.  Akadi.  Wiss.  Wien,  1860,  XL,  419. 
(Type,  Belonesox  belizanus  Kner.) 

Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed;  head  broad,  flat;  jaws 
much  produced;  mouth  large;  premaxillaries  forming  an  elongate 
triangular  plate,  but  not  ankylosed;  mandible  long,  somewhat  prom- 
inent; each  jaw  with  a  broad  band  of  cardiform  teeth;  anal  fin  before 
dorsal;  anal  fin  of  male  modified  into  an  intromittent  organ. 

125.  Belonesox  belizanus  Kner. 

Belonesox  belizanus  Kner,  Sitzungsber.  Wiss.  Wien,  1860,  419, 
Balize:  Giinther,  Cat.,  vi,  33,  1866,  Mexico;  Lago  de  Peten: 
Garman,  Memoirs,  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  xix,  1895,  80;  Mexico: 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  684. 

Southern  Mexico  and  Central  America.  (Boca  del  Rio;  Otopa; 
El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez.) 

Head  2§  to  3 ;  depth  5  to  6;  D.  8  or  9;  A.  10;  scales  18-56  to  63. 
Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed;  head  long,  slender,  and  much 
depressed  forwards;  interorbital  area  3^  in  head;  upper  surface  of 
premaxillary  plate  3  in  head;  snout  2  in  head;  eye  5  to  5>£;  origin  of 
dorsal  fin  about  opposite'  last  ray  of  anal,  its  distance  from  base  of 
caudal  af  in  its  distance  to  tip  of  snout ;  pectoral  2-^  in  head ;  ventral 
3T*Q;  caudal  peduncle  slightly  compressed,  its  least  depth  3  in  head; 
caudal  fin  rounded. 

Color  light  brownish,  almost  uniform  above  and  below;  the  scales 
on  upper  half  of  sidev  each  usually  with  a  black  center,  forming  dark, 
interrupted  lateral  stripes1,  a  black  spot  at  base  of  caudal.  Length  of 
females  about  8  inches;  the  males  less  than  half  as  large  as  females 

One  female  7^  inches  in  length,  taken  at  Obispo,  contained  129 
young,  each  .85  inch  in  length;  a  second  female  4.35  inches  in  length 
contained  26  eggs  in  which  the  eye  spots  and  outline  of  the  young  were 
formed.  With  the  possible  exception  of  Goodea  luitpoldi,  this  is  the 
largest  member  of  the  family  in  Mexico. 

Subfamily  Anablepinae. 
56.     Anableps  (Artedi)  Bloch. 
FOUR-EYED  FISHES;  CUATRO  Ojos. 
Anableps  (Artedi)  Bloch,  Ichthylogia,  vm,  7,  1795.      (Type,  Ana- 

bleps  tetropthalmus  Bloch  =Cobitis  anableps  Linnaeus.) 
Body  elongate,  depressed  anteriorly,  compressed  posteriorly;  head 
broad  and  depressed,  with  the  supraorbital  part  very  much  raised; 
cleft  of  mouth  horizontal,  of  moderate  width;  both  jaws  armed  with  a 


136  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

band  of  villiform  teeth,  those  of  the  outer  series  being  largest  and 
somewhat  movable;  the  integuments  of  eye  divided  into  an  upper 
and  lower  portion  by  a  dark  colored  transverse  band  of  conjunctiva; 
pupil  also  incompletely  divided  into  two  pair  of  lobes  projecting  from 
each  side  of  the  iris;  nasal  opening  produced  into  a  short  tubule 
depending  from  each  side  of  the  mouth ;  dorsal  fin  behind  anal ;  anal 
fin  of  male  modified  with  a  thick  and  long  scaly  conical  organ  with 
an  orifice  at  its  extremity;  alimentary  canal  but  little  convoluted; 
vertebrae  about  46. 

126.  Anableps  dovii  Gill.     FOUR-EYES;  CUATRO  Ojos. 

Anableps  dowei  Gill,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  4;  Panama. 

Anableps  dovii  Giinther,  Cat.,  vi,  338,  1866:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  685;  Chiapam,  Guatemala:  B.  A. 
Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  541;  Tequisistlan,  40  miles 
from  the  sea:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 
Comm.,  1901,  150;  Tehuantepec  River  at  Tehuantepec. 

Rio  Tehuantepec  to  the  Isthmus  of  Panama. 

Head  4;  D.  9;  A.  10;  scales  65  to  70.  Body  elongate,  head  flat,  de- 
pressed. 

Color  blackish  brown,  with  a  well-defined  broad  golden  band  along 
the  sides  from  axis  of  pectoral  to  the  base  of  the  caudal;  fins  pale. 
Length  7  or  8  inches. 

According  to  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson,  the  individuals  of  this  species 
swim  always  at  the  surface  and  in  little  schools  arranged  in  platoons 
or  abreast.  They  swim  headed  against  the  current  and  feed  upon 
floating  matter  which  the  current  brings  them.  They  may  make 
slight  headway  up  stream  or  may  gradually  float  down  stream  at  a 
speed  less  than  that  of  the  current.  They  are  easily  frightened,  and 
when  a  school  becomes  scattered,  and  after  the  cause  of  their  fright 
has  disappeared,  the  individuals  will  soon  rejoin  each  other.  The 
species  is  viviparou's.  A  female  7  inches  in  length,  collected  in  April, 
was  examined  by  Dr.  Evermann,  who  found  it  to  contain  9  young, 
each  1.5  inches  in  length. 

Subfamily  Goodinse. 

57.     G-ooclea  Jordan. 

Goodea  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  299.  •  (Type.  Goodea 

atripinnis  Jordan.) 

Xenendum  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1899,  127. 

(Type,  Xenendum  caliente  J.  &  S.  =Goodea  atripinnis  Jordan.) 

Body  elongate  to  rather  robust ;  dorsal  fin  posterior,  about  over  anal 

fin ;  anal  fin  of  males  with  its  first  5  or  6  rays  short  and  stiff  and  sepa- 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID^;. 


137 


rated  from  the  rest  of  the  fin  by  a  shallow  notch;  teeth  in  two  series, 
the  outer  very  loose  and  bicuspid ;  intestinal  canal  long,  coiled  on  right 
side,  about  four  times  the  length  of  the  body;  peritoneum  black;  gill 
rakers  numerous,  about  40  on  first  arch. 


a. 


aa. 


bb 


cc 


KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  GOODEA. 

Dorsal  fin  longer  than  the  anal;  dorsal  rays 
15;  anal  rays  12;  scales  small,  more  than  40; 
about  19  in  a  cross  series;  body  elongate,  its 
depth  3^  to  4;  scales  20-55 ;  a  prominent  dark 

lateral  band;  vertical  fins  with  black  bars 

Anal  fin  equal  to  or  longer  than  the  dorsal; 
scales  larger,  less  than  50  in  the  lateral  line; 
no  prominent  dark  lateral  band ;  no  black  bars 
on  vertical  fins. 

Body  rather  slender,  its  depth  3%  in.  length; 
scales  moderate,  15-45;  dorsal  rays  n;  anal 
rays  15;  caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  least 

depth  if  in  head  

.  Body  rather  deep,  its  depth  3  to  3^  in  body; 
scales  large,  35  to  44;  dorsal  rays  13;  anal 
rays  14;  caudal  peduncle  deep,  its  least  depth 
about  2  in  head. 

Dorsal  fin  slightly  in  advance  of  anal,  its 
origin  to  base  of  caudal  if  in  its  distance 

from  tip  of  sno-it . 

Dorsal  fin  slightly  behind  ventrals,  its  origin 
from  base  of  caudal  2  in  its  distance  from 
tip  of  snout 


.whitei     137 


.toweri     138 


.  .luitpoldi     139 
.atripinnis     140 


127.  Qoodea  whitei  sp.  nov.     MIXPAPATL. 

Type,  No.  4547,  F.  C.  M.,  2.8  inches  in  length;  Yautepec.Morelos. 
Upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Balsas.    (Cuautla;  Yautepec.) 


FIG.  40.    GOODEA  WHITEI  Meek. 


138  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Head  4^;  depth  3^  to  4;  D.  14  to  16;  A.  12;  scales  18-55.  Body 
rather  elongate,  not  much  compressed,  back  not  much  elevated;  inter- 
orbital  space  slightly  convex,  its  width  2  in  head;  snout  3^  in  head; 
diameter  of  eye  3 ;  origin  of  dorsal  in  advance  of  anal  midway  between 
tip  of  caudal  and  tip  of  snout ;  distance  from  origin  of  dorsal  to  base  of 
caudal  if  in  its  distance  to  tip  of  snout;  fins  rather  large;  pectorals 
i  %  in  head ;  ventrals  2 ;  caudal  fins  slightly  emarginate ;  caudal  pe- 
duncle slender,  its  least  depth  2  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  the  posterior  portion  of  each  scale  darker, 
giving  a  finely  speckled  appearance;  a  narrow  blackish  lateral  band 
extending  from  above  the  opercle  nearly  to  base  of  caudal,  the  pos- 
terior portion  of  the  band  more  distinctly  defined  posteriorly ;  beneath 
this  band  the  body  is  mostly  straw  color  with  a  variable  number  of 
small  brown  specks;  dorsal  dusky,  with  a  submarginal  line  of  black, 
the  margin  plain;  base  of  caudal  fin  dotted  with  several  transverse 
rows  of  dark  dots  and  usually  a  clearly  defined  narrow  black  sub- 
marginal  band,  the  tips  plain;  anal  with  a  central  short  black  bar; 
ventrals  usually  plain,  sometimes  with  black  tips.  I  take  pleasure 
in 'naming  this  fish  for  Mr.  E.  A.  White,  of  the  city  of  Mexico,  in  recog- 
nition of  many  favors  received  through  his  courtesy. 

128.  Qoodea  toweri  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4519,  F.  C.  M.,  2.38  inches  in  length;  Rio  Verde,  San 

Luis  Potosi. 
Upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Panuco.     (Rio  Verde.) 


FlG.  41.     GOODEA  TOWERI   Meek. 

Head  4;  depth  3^;  D.  n;  A.  13;  scales  15-45.  Body  elongate, 
moderately  compressed,  back  little  elevated;  head  rather  small;  inter- 
orbital  flat,  2  in  head;  snout  4  in  head;  mouth  rather  small;  the  an- 
terior series  of  teeth  bicuspid ;  eye  3  in  head ;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  behind 
ventrals,  midway  between  tip  of  caudal  and  middle  of  opercle;  the 
distance  from  origin  of  dorsal  to  base  of  caudal  2jJ0  in  its  distance  to 
tip  of  snout;  fins  small;  pectoral  if  in  head;  ventrals  2;  the  dorsal 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID^E. 


139 


fin  in  the  male  higher  than  in  the  female,  and  its  position  slightly  more 
forward;  caudal  fin  slightly  truncate;  caudal  peduncle  slender,  its 
least  depth  if  in  head. 

Color  dark  brownish  above,  lighter  below;  where  the  light  and 
dark  colors  meet  the  side  more  or  less  speckled;  a  narrow  dark  shade 
on  middle  of  caudal  peduncle.  Length  about  3  inches.  Named  for 
its  discoverer,  Dr.  W.  L.  Tower,  of  the  University  of  Chicago. 

129.  Goodea  luitpoldi   (Steindachner) . 

Characodon  luitpoldi  Steindachner,  Einige  Fischarten,  Mex.,  1895, 
12,  pi.  3,  figs.  3~3b.;  Lago  de  Patzcuaro,  Michoacan:  Garman, 
Memoirs  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1895,  37:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  2832:  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus. 
Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1901,  205 ;  Lago  de  Zacoalco,  Estado  de  Jalisco. 

Xenendum  xaliscone  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  128,  fig.  9;  Lago  de  Chapala,  Ocotlan,  Jalisco:  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3153. 

Goodea  luitpoldi  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  101 ;  Ocotlan; 
La  Barca;  La  Palma;  Patzcuaro. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FlG.  42.    GOODEA  LUITPOLDI  (Steindachner). 
No.  6148  (Xenendum  xaliscone),  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  4^  to  4^";  depth  3  to  3^;  D.  12  or  13;  A.  14  or  15;  scales 
17-40  to  42.  Body  rather  robust,  much  compressed  posteriorly;  head 
small;  interorbital  area  slightly  convex,  if  in  head;  snout  3^;  eye 
3  y*  ;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip  of  caudal  and  posterior 
margin  of  eye,  in  advance  of  ventrals;  distance  from  origin  of  dorsal 
to  base  of  caudal  equals  if  distance  to  tip  of  snout;  fins  rather  large; 
pectorals  i  %  in  head ;  ventrals  i  ^ ;  caudal  fin  slightly  rounded ;  caudal 
peduncle  deep,  much  compressed,  its  least  depth  i£  in  head. 

Color  dark  brownish  above,  lighter  below; -fins  all  plain.  Length 
about  8  inches. 

One  female  5.15  inches  in  length  from  Patzcuaro  contained  31 
young,  of  about  equal  length,  longest  1.14  inches.  There  was  no 


140  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

modification  of  the  anal  fin  in  any  of  these  young,  as  found  in  the  adult 
male.  This  modification  of  the  anal  fin  is  probably  found  with  the 
development  of  the  sexual  organs.  The  young  are  born  the  last  of  May. 

130.  Goodea  atripinnis  Jordan. 

Goodea  atripinnis  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  299;  Leon, 
Guanajuato:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  685.' 

Xenendum  caliente  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  127,  fig.  8;  Rio  Verde,  Aguas  Calientes:  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann, Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3152. 

Goodea  calientis  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  100;  Aguas 
Calientes;  Lagos;  Celaya;  Acambaro;  Huingo;  San  Juan  del  Rio. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma,  and  of  the  Rio  San  Juan,  a  tributary  of 
the  Rio  Panuco  on  the  Mexican  plateau. 


FIG.  43.    GOODEA  ATRIPINNIS  Jordan. 

No.  6147  (Xenendum  caliente  }.  &  S.),  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  3^  to  4;  depth  2^  to  3  ;  D.  13;  A.  14;  scales  13  or  14-35  to  3^. 
Body  rather  robust,  much  compressed  posteriorly;  interorbital  space 
slightly  convex,  i^  in  head;  snout  4  in  head;  eye  3 ^  to  4  in  head; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  tip  of  caudal  and  nape;  distance 
from  base  of  caudal  to  origin  of  dorsal  2  in  distance  from  the  latter 
point  to  tip  of  snout ;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly  behind  that  of  anal  fin ; 
fins  rather  large ;  pectorals  i  y£  in  head ;  ventrals  2  in  head ;  the  caudal 
fin  slightly  rounded  at  tip;  caudal  peduncle  deep,  much  compressed, 
its  least  depth  if  in  head. 

Color  dark  olive  brown,  lighter  below,  each  scale  with  a  dark 
angular  band,  giving  the  fish  a  somewhat  speckled  appearance;  the 
young  are  slightly  mottled  in  color;  fins  all  plain;  color  of  the  sexes 
practically  alike.  Length  about  4  inches. 

One  female  3.50  inches  in  length  contained  44  young,  each  .53  inch 
in  length.  The  young  are  born  during  the  last  half  of  May. 


FAMILY  XL     PCECILIID.E.  141 

58.     Skiflia  Meek. 

Skifjia  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  102.  (Type,  Skiffia 
lermcB  Meek.) 

Body  compressed,  deep ;  dorsal  fin  in  advance  of  the  anal,  its  middle 
over  anal;  teeth  loose,  outer  series  large,  bicuspid,  followed  by  a  band 
of  small  villiform  teeth;  alimentary  canal  elongate,  its  length  2  to  3^ 
times  the  length  of  the  body;  peritoneum  black;  gill  rakers  long, 
rather  stiff,  about  20  on  the  first  arch;  vertebrae  about  16  +  18=34; 
anal  fin  of  male  with  its  first  5  or  6  rays  short  and  stiff,  and  separated 
from  the  rest  of  the  fin  by  a  shallow  notch;  dorsal  fin  of  male  higher 
than  that  of  female. 

A  group  of  small  fishes  with  much  compressed  bodies. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  SKIFFIA. 

a.     A  black  bar  at  base  of  caudal  (inconspicuous  PAGE 

in  some  males  of  lermce,  which  have  a  uniform 
coloration  and  a  very  dark  head) . 

b.  Body  light  olivaceous  in  females;  a  dark  spot 
on  hinder  margin  of  each  scale  on  upper  half 
of  the  body,  these  spots  forming  lines  along 
the  rows  of  scales;  dorsal  fin  usually  black, 
margined  with  yellow;  D.   16;  A.   15;  scales 

12-33 multipunctata     141 

bb.  Body  light  olivaceous  in  females,  mottled 
with  dark,  nearly  plain  on  lower  half  of  body; 
males  nearly  pMm;  head  usually  quite  dark; 

D.  13;  A.  14;  scales  14-37 lermaz     142 

aa.  No  black  bar  at  base  of  caudal. 

c.  Body  much  variegated;  no  dark  lateral  band; 
D.  14  or  15;  A.  13  or  14;  scales  13-34;  ali- 
mentary canal  3  times  total    length  of   the 

body variegata     143 

cc.  Color  uniform  with  a  dark  lateral  band  bi- 
furcated on  the  anterior  third  of  body;  D. 
16;  A.  16;  scales  11-32;  alimentary  canal  2 
to  2%  times  total  length  of  body;  origin  of 
dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal 
and  nape bilineata  144 

131.  Skiffia  multipunctata  (Pellegrin). 

Xenendum  multipunctatum  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris, 

1901,   205;  Estado  de  Jalisco. 

Skiffia  multipunctata  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  103; 
Ocotlan. 


142  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 

Head  4;  depth  2^ ;  D.  16;  A.  15;  scales  12-32.  Body  deep,  much 
compressed;  interorbital  slightly  convex,  2  in  head;  snout  short, 
rather  pointed,  4  in  head;  mouth  small,  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer; 
eye  large,  3  in  head;  dorsal  fin  slightly  in  advance  of  the  anal,  its  origin 
midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  eye;  base  of  dorsal  i^  in  head; 
height  (in  female)  1%,  somewhat  higher  in  the  male;  anterior  portion 
of  dorsal  shortened  as  in  Skiffia  lermaz;  pectoral  i  }/$  in  head ;  ventral  2 ; 
alimentary  canal  coiled  on  right  side,  its  length  3^  times  total  length 
of  the  fish;  peritoneum  black;  gill  rakers  long  and  rather  stout;  20  on 
the  first  gill  arch;  vertebrae  16-1-18=34. 

Color  of  female  light  olivaceous;  a  dark  spot  on  hinder  margin  of 
each  scale  on  upper  half  of  body,  forming  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales 
much  as  in  species  of  Mollienesia;  a  prominent  black  bar  at  base  of 
caudal  fin;  male  nearly  uniform  in  color,  with  the  anal  and  dorsal  fins 
black,  margined  with  yellow;  black  caudal  bar  indistinct.  Length 
about  2^4  inches. 

This  species  reaches  a  length  of  2.50  inches,  and  is  known  only 
from  the  Lerma  basin,  near  Ocotlan.  The  young  are  born  during  the 
latter  half  of  May. 

132.  Skiffia  lermae  Meek. 

Skiffia  lermce  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  102;  Celaya; 
Patzcuaro. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 

Head  4;  depth  2^  to  3^;  D.  13;  A.  14;  scales  14-37.  Body  deep, 
much  compressed;  head  small;  snout  pointed,  4  in  head;  mouth  small, 
the  lower  jaw  the  longer;  eye  large,  3  in  head;  interorbital  slightly  con- 
vex, its  width  2^4"  in  head ;  dorsal  fin  slightly  in  advance  of  anal,  mid- 
way between  base  of  caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  the  orbit ;  base  of 
dorsal  2  in  head,  its  height  in  females  i>£>  slightly  higher  in  the  males; 
pectoral  1^3  in  head;  ventrals  2  in  head;  gill  rakers  stout,  20  on  the 
first  arch;  alimentary  canal  coiled  on  right  side,  its  length  3^"  times 
the  total  length  of  the  body;  peritoneum  black;  vertebras  16-1-18=34. 

Color  of  females  light  olivaceous  above,  much  mottled  with  darker, 
nearly  plain  on  lower  half  of  the  body ;  young  with  a  few  faint  brownish 
bars  on  lower  half  of  caudal  peduncle ;  a  narrow  dark  lateral  band  and 
a  prominent  black  bar  at  base  of  caudal ;  the  color  of  the  males  nearly 
uniform  dark-olivaceous,  the  anterior  half  of  some  specimens  being 
nearly  black ;  the  black  caudal  bar  much  less  conspicuous  than  on  the 
females;  a  dark  line  on  the  under  side  of  the  caudal  peduncle  in  both 
sexes.  Length  about  2.50  inches. 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN    MUSEUM. 


PLATE  VIII,  ZOOLOGY. 


SKIFFIA  LERM/E  Meek.    ' 
No.  3623.  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


SKIFFIA  LERM/E  Meek.    $ 

No.  3622,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIIDVE.  143 

This  species  probably  occurs  throughout  the  Lerma  basin.  One 
female  taken  about  May  20  contained  30  young,  each  of  which  was 
about  .34  inches  in  length. 

133.  Skiffia  vuriegata  Meek. 

Skiffia  variegata  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  104;  Zira- 

huen;  Chalco. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  44.    SKIFFIA  VARIEGATA  Meek. 

No.  3612,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


Head  3! ;  depth  2|;  D.  14;  A.  13;  scales  13-34.  Body  deep, 
compressed;  top  of  head  convex;  interorbital  2%  in  head;  mouth 
small,  lower  jaw  the  longer;  dim  rather  prominent;  snout  4  in  head; 
eye  large,  3  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly  in  advance  of  anal;  its 
origin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  orbit; 
base  of  dorsal  .fin  i%  in  head;  height  (in  male)  T.%  in  head,  being 
somewhat  lower  in  the  female;  anterior  dorsal  rays  short,  increasing 
gradually  to  the  eighth  or  ninth ;  pectoral  i  ^3  in  head ;  ventral  2 ; 
caudal  fin  truncate;  alimentary  canal  coiled  on  the  right  side,  its 
length  3  times  total  length  of  the  body ;  peritoneum  black. 

Color  olivaceous,  much  mottled;  an  indistinct  dark  lateral  band, 
more  or.  less  broken  in  some  specimens ;  four  or  five  light  brownish 
spots  on  the  lower  portion  of  the  caudal  peduncle,  the  under  surface 
dark;  color  of  the  male  more  uniform  and  darker  than  that  of  the 
female;  no  black  bar  at  base  of  caudal;  chin  black.  Length  about 
2.25  inches. 

The  young  of  this  species  are  born  about  the  middle  of  May.  A 
female  about  two  inches  in  length  will  give  birth  to  about  20  young, 
each  being  about  .50  inch  in  length. 


144 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


134.  Skiff ia  bilineata   (Bean). 

Characodon  bilineatus  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1887,  371,  pi. 

20,  fig.  2;  Rio  Lerma,  Guanajuato:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  668. 

Skifjia  bilineatus  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902;  Huingo. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  45.   SKIFFIA  BILINEATA  Bean. 

No.  37832,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

Head  3%;  depth  3;  D.  16;  A.  16;  scales  11-32.  Body  robust, 
dorsal  region  somewhat  elevated;  head  broad,  depressed;  interorbital 
space  nearly  flat,  2  in  head;  snout  short;  outer  series  of  teeth  bicuspid, 
loose,  but  less  so  than  in  other  species  of  the  genus;  origin  of  dorsal 
fin  in  advance  of  anal,  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  the  nape ; 
opercle  connected  by  a  membrane  to  the  shoulder ;  pectoral  fin  i  X  m 
head;  ventral  2  ;  alimentary  canal  elongate,  slightly  less  than  2>£  times 
the  total  length  of  the  body ;  peritoneum  black. 

Color  brown  above,  lighter  below;  a  dark  lateral  band  divided  on 
anterior  third  of  body,  the  posterior  half  more  or  less  broken  into  12 
to  15  short,  irregular  bars,  a  few  extending  almost  to  dorsal  fin;  the 
upper  half  of  the  body  with  a  few  fine  punctulations.  Length  about 
i. 60  inches. 

A  female  1.50  inches  in  length  contained  27  young,  white  and  very 
slender,  each  being  .32  inch  in  length.  The  young  of  this  species  are 
evidently  born  the  last  of  May  and  early  in  June. 

Subfamily  Pceciliinse. 
59.     Platypoecilus  Gunther. 
Platypcecilus  Gunther,   Cat.,  vi,   350,    1866.    (Type,   Platypaecilus 

maculatus  Gunther.) 

Body  deep,  compressed;  dorsal  fin  slightly  in  advance  of  anal; 
teeth  loose,  movable,  in  a  single  series  in  each  jaw;  alimentary  canal 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN   MUSEUM. 


PLVTE  IX,  ZOOLOGY. 


PLATYPCECILUS  MACULATUS  Gi'mther 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID^.  145 

long,  coiled  on  the  right  side ;  anal  fin  of  the  male  modified  into  an  intro- 
mittent  organ;  gill  rakers  short,  about  equal  to  diameter  of  pupil; 
vertebrae  26  to  28;  sexes  similar  in  size  and  color.  This  genus  com- 
prises, so  far  as  known  at  present,  three  species.  They  are  small 
fishes,  none  exceeding  2  inches  in  length.  The  two  species  taken  in 
eastern  Mexico  live  in  ponds  or  bayous  among  water-plants ;  to  collect 
them  successfully  the  net  must  be  heavily  leaded  so  as  to  rake  well 
the  bottom. 

So  far  as  color  markings  are  concerned  these  fishes  are  more  va- 
riable than  any  others  known  to  me.  Viviparous. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  PLATYPCECILUS. 

a.     Body  deep,  .compressed,  its  depth  2>£  to  2^.  PAGE 

b.     Caudal  peduncle  deep,  its  least  depth  3^  in 

the  length  of  the  body;  depth  of  body  2% maculatus     145 

bb.  Caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  least  depth  5  in 
the  length  of  the  body;  depth  of  body  2% 

to  2$4 variatus     146 

aa.   Body  slender,  elongate,  its  depth  3^ .  nclsoni     147 

135.  Platypoecilus  maculatus  Gunther. 

Platypcecilus  maculatus  Gunther,  Cat.,  vi,  350,  1866,  Mexico:  Gar- 
man,  Memoirs,  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1895,  48;  Mexico:  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  686. 

Lowland  streams  of  Mexico  which  empty  into  the  gulf  south  of 
the  city  of  Vera  Cruz.  (El  Rule ;  Ob'spo ;  Perez.) 

Head  3^;  depth  2%;  D.  10;  A.  7;  scales  9-23.  Body  deep,  com- 
pressed; profile  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  dorsal  fin  a  straight  line,  the 
highest  point  at  origin  of  dorsal  fin;  head  rather  small;  interorbital 
area  flat,  its  width  2  in  length  of  head;  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer; 
eye  3  in  head;  snout  3^  in  head;  teeth  loose,  small,  conical,  in  a  single 
series  in  each  jaw;  dorsal  fin  slightly  in  advance  of  anal,  its  origin 
midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  the  eye; 
longest  dorsal  ray  (?)  i^/z  in  the  head  to  (3)  1^3  in  head;  caudal 
peduncle  very  deep,  its  least  depth  3^3  in  the  length  of  body;  dis- 
tance between  the  last  dorsal  ray  and  base  of  caudal  slightly  less  than 
the  least  depth  of  the  caudal  peduncle;  caudal  fin  rounded;  anal  fin 
with  falcate  margin,  its  first  rays  (?)  iX  m  the  head;  tips  of  pectorals 
reaching  middle  of  ventrals,  1^3  in  head;  ventrals  reaching  past  anal, 
1%  in  the  length  of  head;  intestinal  canal  elongate,  coiled  on  the 
right  side  in  10  or  12  coils;  gill  rakers  short,  the  longest  about  equal 
to  diameter  of  the  pupil ;  vertebras  14+12=26;  anal  fin  of  the  male 
modified  into  an  intromittent  organ,  its  length  i>^  in  the  length  of 
the  head. 


146  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Color  olivaceous,  some  specimens  blotched  with  black;  others  with 
i  to  3  black  spots  about  y$  size  of  the  eye  on  the  sides;  occasional 
specimens  with  a  large  black  blotch  on  side  behind  shoulders;  some 
with  a  large  black  spot  at  base  of  caudal  fin;  this  spot  very  small  in 
others  and  in  some  specimens  wanting;  a  broad  black  crescent  on  base 
of  caudal  rays;  often  the  spot  or  crescent  or  both  wanting;  occa- 
sionally these  markings  reduced  to  the  tips  of  the  crescent  or  to  the 
base  of  marginal  rays  of  the  caudal  fin ;  dorsal  fin  black ;  anal  and  ven- 
tral rays'with  black  tips;  pectorals  light.  Length  about  i^  inches. 

The  color  markings  of  this  species  are  very  variable,  more  so  than 
of  any  other  species  I  have  examined. 

136.  Platypoecilus  variatus  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4501,  F.  C.  M.,  1.35  inches  in  length;  Valles,  San  Luis 
Potosi. 

Basins  of  the  Rio  Panuco  and  Rio  So  to  la  Marina,  in  'owland 
streams.  (Garza  Valdez;  Santa  Engracia;  Victoria;  Forlon;  Valles; 
Rascon.) 

Head  3^;  depth  2^  to  2^;  D.  10;  A.  6  or  7 ;  scales  9-25.  Body 
oblong,  compressed ;  profile  from  front  of  dorsal  to  tip  of  snout  slightly 
convex,  the  highest  point  at  origin  of  dorsal  fin;  interorbital  area  flat, 
its  width  2  in  head;  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer;  eye  2^  in  head; 
snout  4  in  head;  teeth  loose,  conical,  in  a  single  series;  dorsal  fin  in 
advance  of  anal,  its  origin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  pupil ; 
longest  dorsal  ray  in  both  sexes,  iy£  m  head;  caudal  peduncle  mod- 
erately compressed,  its  least  depth  5  in  length  of  the  body;  distance 
from  last  dorsal  ray  to  base  of  caudal  y$  greater  than  least  depth  of 
caudal  peduncle;  caudal  fin  slightly  rounded;  anal  fin  with  a  slightly 
convex  margin;  longest  anal  ray  (in  ?)  1%  in  head;  tips  of  pectorals 
reaching  slightly  past  base  of  ventrals;  length  of  pectoral  fin  i£  in 
head;  tips  of  ventrals  reaching  origin  of  anal,  if  in  head;  alimentary 
canal  coiled  on  right  side  as  in  the  preceding  species;  gill  rakers 
1 5 ,  the  longest  equaling  diameter  of  pupil ;  vertebrae  14+14  =  28;  anal 
fin  modified  into  an  intromittent  organ,  its  length  if  in  the  head. 

Color  olivaceous,  the  upper  half  or  two-thirds  of  the  body  much 
mottled  with  darker;  some  specimens  with  a  black  caudal  spot,  in 
some  specimens  large,  in  others  very  small.  Length  about  2  inches. 

The  color  markings  of  this  species  vary  greatly.  The  black  cres- 
cent and  the  black  caudal  spot  may  both  be  present  or  one  or  the 
other  or  both  may  be  absent.  One  large  male,  the  largest  taken, 
1.87  inches,  has  four  distinct  black  vertical  bars  on  the  middle  of  the 
sides  of  the  body;  it  also  has  the  black  blotch  and  crescent  at  base  of 
caudal  fin;  a  second  large  male  (1.70  inches),  has  the  black  bars  on 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN   MUSEUM. 


PLATE  X,  ZOOLOGY. 


f,          ,- 


PLATYPCECILUS  VARIATUS  Meek. 

No.  4486,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 

XlPHOPHORUS  HELLERI  Gunther. 
No.  4668,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


FAMILY  XL     PCECILIID.E.  147 

sides,  but  has  neither  the  black  caudal  spot  nor  the  crescent ;  the  fourth 
black  bar  on  left  side  is  bifurcate  in  its  lower  half;  dorsal  fin  with  a 
black  band  across  its  middle  and  another  at  the  tips ;  tips  of  anal  rays 
black;  ventrals  and  pectorals  plain. 

137.  Platypoecilus  nelson!  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  51484,  U.  S.  National  Museum,  iX  inches  in  length; 

Papayo,  Guerrero. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Balsas. 


FIG.  46.    PLATYPCECILUS  NELSONI  Meek. 

Head  3$-;  depth  3-^;  D.  7;  A.  6;  scales  10-28.  Body  elongate, 
moderately  compressed;  head  large,  snout  pointed,  3^  m  head;  inter- 
orbital  slightly  convex,  2  in  head;  mouth  small;  teeth  close  set,  conical, 
their  tips  bent  slightly  backward;  diameter  of  eye  3^;  origin  of  the 
dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  the 
opercle ;  pectoral  i  %  in  the  head ;  ventrals  2 ;  caudal  fin  rounded ;  least 
depth  of  caudal  peduncle  if  in  head;  no  lateral  line,  many  of  the 
scales  with  pore-like  depressions  ih  their  centers. 

Color  olivaceous,  with  a  few  faint  vertical  bars  on  posterior  half  of 
body ;  center  of  each  scale  lighter,  the  margins  making  faint  longitu- 
dinal stripes  along  rows  of  scales.  One  specimen  has  two  ink-like  spots 
at  base  of  caudal;  a  second  specimen  has  only  the  upper  one,  the  other 
two  have  none.  Longest  specimen  1.86  inches. 

The  only  specimens  of  this  species  known  were  collected  by  E. 
W.  Nelson  at  Papayo,  Guerrero,  on  April  20,  1903,  and  were  kindly 
loaned  to  the  Museum  by  Dr.  B.  W.  Evermann. 

6O.     Heteraiiclria  Agassiz. 

Heterandria  Agassiz,  Amer.  Jour.  Sci.  &  Arts,  1853,    135    (Limia 

rormosus  Girard). 

B^ody  rather  slender ;  «mouth  very  small;  the  lower  jaw  short,  its 
bones  not  united;  snout  short;  both  jaws  with  a  single  series  of  slender, 


148  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

movable  teeth ;  scales  large ;  dorsal  fin  inserted  behind  anal ;  anal  fin  of 
male  placed  well  forward  and  modified  into  an  intromittent  organ ; 
alimentary  canal  elongate,  convoluted,  not  in  definite  coils,  its  length 
about  iX  times  the  length  of  the  fish. 

A  group  of  small  fishfes  found  in  ditches  and  swamps  of  the  warmer 
parts  of  America.  Viviparous. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  HETERANDRIA. 

a.     Origin'  of  dorsal  fin  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  PAGE 

base  of  pectoral  fin;  spots  on  sides  about  as 

large  as  orbit pleurospilus     148 

aa.  Origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of 

caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  opercle ;.  spots 

on  sides  about  as  large  as  pupil lutzi     148 

138.  Heterandria  pleurospilus  (Giinther). 

Girardinus  pleurospilus  Giinther,   Cat.,   vi,   355,    1866;   Lago  de 
Duenas:   Giinther,  Fish.  Cent.  Amer.,  486,  pi.  77,  fig.  i,  1869; 
Lago  de  Duenas,  Guatemala. 
Heterandria  pleurospilus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1896,  688. 

Southern  Mexico  and  Central  America,  in  west  coast  streams.  (San 
Geronimo.) 

Head  4%;  depth  3^;  D.  7  or  8;  A.  7  or  8;  scales  8-28.  Body 
rather  robust,  compressed  posteriorly;  head  broad;  interorbital  area 
'nearly  flat,  1%  in  head;  snout  4  in  head;  eye  3;  origin  of  dorsal  fin 
slightly  behind  that  of  anal,  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  base  of  pec- 
toral fin;  pectoral  equals  length  of  head;  ventral  if  in  head;  caudal 
fin  slightly  truncate;  caudal  peduncle  rather  deep,  its  least  depth  i^ 
in  head. 

Color  light  brownish,  sides  with  8  to  1 1  black  spots  on  sides,  each 
about  as  large  as  eye ;  some  being  broken  up  in  two  or  more  spots ;  a 
few  specimens  with  a  partial  second  row;  fins  all  plain.  Length  about 
2X  inches. 

A  well  marked  species. 

139.  Heterandria  lutzi  Meek. 

Heterandria  lutzi  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  106;  Oaxaca; 
Cuicatlan ;  Venta  Salada. 

Rivers  of  southern  Mexico  on  both  sides  of  the  divide.  (Motzorongo ; 
Otopa;  El  Hule;  Perez;  Tehuantepec.) 

Head  4^;  depth  3^;  D.  7;  A.  8;  scales  8-29.  Body  elongate, 
rather  slender;  head  depressed  anteriorly,  giving  it  a  wedge-shaped 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID.E. 


149 


FIG.  47.    HETERANDRIA  LUTZI  Meek. 

No.  3718,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 

appearance;  snout  3^  in  head;  eye  large,  3^  in  head;  teeth  movable, 
in  one  series,  conical,  curved  backward  at  the  tips;  origin  of  dorsal 
slightly  behind  that  of  anal  in  females,  midway  between  base  of  caudal 
fin  and  posterior  margin  of  opercle ;  base  of  dorsal  3  in  head ;  its  height 
i  Y*  ;  pectoral  i  y± ;  ventral  2 ;  caudal  fin  truncate ;  caudal  peduncle 
slender,  its  least  depth  i^  in  head;  alimentary  canal  much  convoluted, 
not  in  definite  coils,  its  length  about  1^2  times  the  total  length  of  the 
fish;  peritoneum  black. 

Color  olivaceous,  a  narrow  dark  lateral  band  broken  into  small 
round  or  oblong  spots,  each  scarcely  as  large  as  pupil;  iris  black;  a  nar- 
row dark  streak  on  under  side  of  caudal  peduncle;  a  faint  vertebral 
streak,  more  conspicuous  in  the  young.  Length  about  3,K  inches. 

One  female  2.59  inches  in  length  contained  40  young;  each  about 
.35  inch  in  length.  The  males  are  about  half  as  large  as  the  females. 

61.     Poecilia  Bloch  &  Schneider. 

Pcecilia  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichthy.  ,452,1801.  (Type,  Pcecilia 
vimf>ara  Bloch  &  Schneider.) 

Body  oblong,  often  rather  deep;  mouth  small,  transverse,  with 
weak  jaws;  teeth  small,  in  narrow  bands,  the  outer  teeth  enlarged, 
curved,  and  movable;  scales  large;  dorsal  fin  small,  of  7  to  n  rays;  anal 
fin  short,  in  female  nearly  opposite  dorsal,  in  males  advanced  and 
modified  into  a  sword-shaped  intromittent  organ ;  alimentary  canal  long ; 
vertebrae  about  28.  Sexes  about  e.qual  in  size. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  P(KCIL1A. 

a.     Anal  rays  9  or  10;  sides  with  a  black  lateral  PAGE 

stripe  as  wide  as  eye ;  scales  8-29 occidentalis     150 


150  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

aa.  Anal  rays  6  to  8.  PAGE 

b.     Side  with  a  black  band  made  up  of  more  or 
less  distinct  spots  about  as  large  as  eye ;  dorsal 

rays  9;  anal  rays  6;  scales  9-28 latipunctata     150 

bb.  Side  without  black  band. 
c.     Origin  of  dorsal  nearer  tip  of  caudal  than  tip 
of  snout ;  dorsal  rays  7  to  9 ;  anal  rays  6  to  8 ; 
scales  9-24  to  28. 

d.  Head  large,  3^  to  3^  in  body;  depth  2^ 

to  3  % butleri     151 

dd.  Head  small,  4^  in  body ;  depth  3 1/£  to  4^ presidionis     152 

cc.   Origin  of  dorsal  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  tip 
of  caudal. 

e.  Least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  6  in  length 
of  the  body ;  head  4 ;  depth  3^ ;  dorsal  rays 

8  or  9 ;  anal  rays  6  or  7 couchiana     152 

ee.  Least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  5  in  the 
length  of  the  body;  head  3^;  depth  $yz; 
dorsal  rays  9 ;  anal  rays  8 sphenops.  153 

140.  Poecilia  occidentalis   (Baird&  Girard). 

Heterandria  occidentalis   Baird  &   Girard,  Proc    Acad.  Nat.   Sci. 
Phila.,  1853,  390;  Rio  Santa  Cruz,  Tucson,  Arizona:  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  689. 
Girardinus  occidentalis  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  73,  pi.  xxxix,  fig. 
16-19,   1859;  Rio  Santa  Cruz:  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci. 
Phila.,  1859,  119;  Rio  Santa  Cruz,  Tucson,  Arizona. 
Girardinus  sonorensis  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859, 

120;  San  Bernardino  Creek,  tributary  of  the  Rio  Yaqui. 
Poecilia  occidentalis  Garman,  Mem.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1894,  61; 
San  Bernardino  Creek,  Arizona:  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci., 
1896,  261;  Opsura  (Rio  Yaqui);  Hermosillo:  Rutter,  ibid.,  267; 
Rio  Santiago,  Tepic. 

Rivers  of  Sonora  and  southern  Arizona. 

Head  3>£;  depth  3^  to  4;  D.  7  or  8;  A.  9  or  10;  scales  8-29.  Body 
deep,  elevated  in  front  of  dorsal;  origin  of  dorsal  nearer  base  of  caudal 
than  tip  of  the  snout,  slightly  in  advance  (?)  of  anal. 

Color  brownish  above,  dotted  with  black ;  silvery  below ;  with  a  black 
lateral  stripe  as  broad  as  eye  from  shoulder  to  caudal ;  a  narrow  black 
line  along  lower  margin  of  tail;  fins  plain,  without  spot  or  blotch. 

141.  Poecilia  latipunctata  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4484,  F.  C.  M.,  2%  inches  in  length;  Forlon,  Tamaulipas 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Panuco.     (Forlon.) 


FAMILY  XL     PCECILIID.E. 


FlG.  48.     PCECILIA  LATIPUNCTATA  Meek. 


Head  3^;  depth  3.^;  D.  9;  A.  6;  scales  9-28.  Body  elongate, 
moderately  compressed;  head  rather  small,  depressed;  interorbital 
flat,  iX  m  head;  snout  equals  diameter  of  eye,  3^  in  head;  mouth 
small;  teeth  small,  outer  series  not  much  enlarged;  origin  of  dorsal  mid- 
way between  base  of  caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  the  orbit ;  pectoral 

1  ^  in  head ;  ventral  2 ;  caudal  fin'  rounded ;  least  depth  of  caudal 
peduncle  i>£  in  head. 

Color  olivaceous ;  a  black  band  on  sides  made  up  of  spots  about  as 
large  as  pupil;  iris  black;  dorsal  and  caudal  fins  on  largest  specimens 
(?)  with  dark  dots.  Longest  specimen  2.15  inches. 

A  female  1.75  inches  contained  16  eggs  with  outline  of  young; 
about  one-half  of  the  egg  was  absorbed. 

142.  Poecilia  butleri  Jordan. 

Pcecilia  butleri  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1888,  330;  Rio 
Presidio,  near  Mazatlan:  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1895, 
412;  Rio  Presidio,  Mazatlan:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  691:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull. 
U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  151 ;  salt  water  in  Gulf  of  Tehuantepec, 
Salina  Cruz. 

Fresh  and  brackish  waters  of  Pacific  coast  from  Mazatlan  to 
Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec. 

Head  3^  to  3^;  depth  2^  (adult)  to  3^  (young);  D.  9;  A.  6  to 
8;  scales  9-24  to  26.  Body  rather  deep,  compressed,  the  straight  an- 
terior profile  rising  considerably  above  the  dorsal;  interorbital  width 

2  in  head;  snout  equals  diameter  of  the  eye,  3  in  head;  teeth  in  two 
series,  well  separated,  the  inner  series  smaller  and  more  closely  set; 
origin  of  dorsal  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  front  of  eye; 
longest  dorsal  ray  i^  ($),  i%  (?)  in  head;  pectoral  i%  in  head. 

Color  of  males,  green  with  a  pale  blue  spot  on  each  scale,  sur- 
rounded by  bronze  shades;  no  dark  cross-bars  except  in  the  young; 


152  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

dorsal  and  anal  pale  orange,  with  many  small  round  black  dots;  lower 
fins,  pale;  color  of  female  similar  to  male,  but  paler;  no  cross  bands; 
a  faint  dark  spot  behind  pectoral ;  caudal  nearly  plain ;  dorsal  and  anal 
less  spotted  than  in  the  male.  Length  about  3  inches. 

143.  Poecilia  presidionis  Jordan  &  Culver. 

Pcecilia  presidionis  Jordan  &  Culver,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1895, 
413,  pi.  29;  Rio  Preside,  Sinaloa:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 
47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  697 ;  Rio  Presidio,  Sinaloa. 

Fresh  and  brackish  waters  of  Sinaloa. 

Head  4^;  depth  3^  to  4^;  D.  7  or  8;  A.  7;  scales  9-28.  Body 
rather  elongate,  the  profile  scarcely  rising  in  front  of  the  dorsal  fin; 
interorbital  space  broad,  2  in  head;  diameter  of  the  eye  equals  the 
length  of  the  snout,  3^  in  head;  teeth  small,  in  two  well  separated 
series;  those  of  the  inner  row  small,  close  set;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  nearer 
tip  of  caudal  than  tip  of  snout ;  middle  of  dorsal  over  origin  of  anal  (?) ; 
fins  all  low  and  short;  longest  dorsal  ray  iX  in  head;  pectoral  iX  m 
head;  caudal  truncate. 

Color  (?)  green  sh  above ;  sides  with  violet  sheen ;  3  or  4  black 
cross-bars  usually  very  distinct,  sometimes  obsolete  in  large  examples; 
one  or  two  oblong  spots  before  these  in  the  place  of  other  bars;  last 
ray  of  the  dorsal  with  a  trace  of  a  dark  ocellus;  fins  otherwise  plain; 
males  without  cross-bars  and  with  the  lower  fins  reddish. 

144.  Poecilia  couchiana  (Girard). 

Limia  couchiana  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  116; 
Rio  San  Juan  at  Cadereita,  near  Monterey,  Nuevo  Leon. 

Poecilia  couchiana  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  695. 

Headwaters  of  the  Rio  San  Juan,  near  Monterey,  very  abundant 
in  a  large  spring  in  the  city  of  Monterey.  (Monterey.) 

Head  3f;  depth  3;  D.  9;  A.  7  or  8;  scales  10-27.  Body  robust, 
moderately  compressed;  back  moderately  elevated,  head  small,  inter- 
orbital  if  in  head;  teeth  loose,  in  one  series;  snout  3X1  eve  3;  origin 
of  dorsal  fin  much  in  advance  of  anal,  midway  between  base  of  caudal 
and  eye;  pectoral  fin  T.%  in  head;  ventral  if  in  head;  caudal  fin 
rounded;  caudal  peduncle  iX  m  head;  alimentary  canal  elongate, 
coiled  on  the  right  side. 

Color  dark  brownish  on  upper  two-thirds  of  body;  below  white, 
with  a  few  black  specks;  each  scale  on  upper  half  of  body  with  light 
centers.  Length  about  i^  inches. 

One  female  1.75  inches  in  length  contained  22  eggs.  The  young 
are  probably  born  early  in  June. 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID^E.  153 

145.  Poecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Pcecilia  sphenops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  xvm, 

130,  1836;   Vera   Cruz:    Garman,  Memoirs  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 

1895,  59,  pi.  iv,  fig.  13;  Mexico  and  Central  America:  Jordan 

&  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  694. 

Molienesia  fasciata  Muller  &  Troschel,  Mon.  Akad.  Wiss.  Berlin, 

1844,  36;  Mexico. 
Gambusia  modesta  Troschel,  Muller's  Reise    in  Mexico,  in,  639, 

1865 ;  Mexico. 

Gambusia  plumbea  Troschel,  ibid.,  in.,  640,  1865;  Mexico. 
Pcecilia  mexicana  Steindachner,  Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien.,  1863, 
178;  southern  Mexico:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,    692:    B.  A.  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898; 
Santa  Maria,  Vera  Cruz. 

Pcecilia  limantouri  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  129,  fig.  10;  Rio  Tamesin,  Tampico:  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann, Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3153:  Meek,  Field  Col. 
Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  106;  Puente  de  Ixtla;  Balsas;  La  Antigua: 
Fowler,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1903,  320;  Victoria,  Ta- 
maulipas. 

Lowland  streams  of  eastern  Mexico,  from  Monterey  to  the 
Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec,  and  in  the  Rio  Balsas,  Rio  Tehuantepec 
and  Rio  San  Geronimo.  (Monterey;  San  Juan;  Linares;  Garza 
Valdez;  La  Cruz;  Santa  Engracia;  Victoria;  Forlon;  Valles;  Rascon; 
Jojutla;  Vera  Cruz;  Boca  del  Rio;  Otopa;  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez; 
S.an  Juan  Evangelista;  San  Geronimo;  Tehuantepec.) 


FlG.  49.     PCECILIA  SPHENOPS  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 
No.  6165  (Pcecilia  limantouri  J.  &  S.),  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  3^  to, 4;  depth  33^;  D.  9  or  10;  A.  8  or  9;  scales  9  or  10- 
25  to  27.  Body  robust,  compressed;  back  not  much  elevated ;  head 
moderate;  interorbital  area  nearly  flat,  i^  in  head;  snout  3^  in  head; 
eye  3  to  3X1  teeth  in  2  series  in  both  jaws,  the  outer  series  a  single 


154  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

row,  small,  pointed,  and  loosely  attached;  dorsal  fin  in  advance  of 
anal,  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  posterior  margin  of  eye; 
the  dorsal  fin  in  old  males  extremely  high,  its  longest  rays  a  half 
longer  than  head;  pectoral  i  i-io  in  head;  ventral  i^',  caudal  fin 
rounded,  in  old  males  much  expanded  and  fan -like;  caudal  peduncle 
very  deep,  i£  in  head  in  females  to  about  equaling  length  of  head 
in  old  males ;  alimentary  canal  very  elongate,  coiled  on  the  right  side. 

Color  light  brownish  above,  belly  a  shade  lighter;  the  edges  of  the 
scales  usually  light,  forming  more  or  less  indistinct  lateral  stripes 
along  the  rows  of  scales.  Length  about  3  inches. 

In  general  coloration  this  species  is  very  variable.  In  some 
specimens  nearly  half  the  scales  on  the  side  have  black  centers ;  males 
usually  have  light  vertical  bars,  and  the  dorsal  and  caudal  fin  with 
many  black  spots  arranged  in  regular  rows,  the  fins  being  transversely 
barred,  and  the  edges  are  light  yellowish,  sometimes  with  a  narrow 
dark  border.  The  caudal  and  dorsal  fins  of  males  may  have  dark 
blotches.  Some  of  the  males  may  have  dark  blotches  scattered  over 
the  side  of  the  body  and  caudal  and  dorsal  fins;  occasionally  these 
blotches  may  be  so  numerous  as  to  form  the  body-color  of  the  fish. 
The  color  of  the  females  is  more  uniform  than  that  of  the  males.  -A 
very  variable  and  widely  distributed  species.  It  is  probable  that  a  few 
of  the  Pcecilia  described  from  Central  America  belong  to  this  species. 

62.     Mollieiiesia  Le  Sueur. 
Mollienisia  Le  Sueur,  Jour.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1821,  3,  pi.  in. 

(Type,  Mollienisia  latipinna  Le  Sueur.) 

Body  rather  stout;  mouth  small;  mandible  very  short,  its  bones 
united,  the  dentary  being  movable;  outer  edge  of  both  jaws  with  a 
narrow  band  of  small  teeth,  the  outer  series  long,  slender,  and 
movable,  with  tips  curved  and  slightly  compressed;  dorsal  fin  over 
or  in  advance  of  the  anal  (in  female);  the  anal  fin  of  the  male 
placed  forward  and  modified  into  an  intromittent  organ ;  lower  angle 
of  caudal  in  the  male  slightly  produced;  alimentary  canal  elongate, 
with  numerous  convolutions;  dorsal  fin  of  male  very  high;  vertebrae 
17  +  13=30. 

Small  mud-eating  fishes  of  swamps  near  the  coasts  from  North 
Carolina  to  Mexico. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  MOLLIENESIA. 
a.     Head  large,  3^  in  body;  dorsal  rays  12  or  13;  PAGE 

origin  of  dorsal  fin  over  that  of  anal  in  females formosa     155 

aa.  Head  3 %  to  4  in  body;  dorsal  rays  13  to  16; 

origin  of  dorsal  fin  in  advance  of  anal  in  female ....  latipinna     155 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID^;.  155 

146.  Mollienesia  formosa   (Girard). 

Limia  formosa  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  115; 
Palo  Alto,  Mexico. 

Mollienesia  formosa  Gunther,  Cat.,  vi,  1866,  349. 

Mollienisia  formosa  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  699. 

Northeastern  Mexico. 

Head  $J4>  depth  3^;  D.  12  or  13;  A.  10.  Body  rather  stout; 
snout  short;  dorsal  in  male  longer  than  high,  its  first  ray  about 
opposite  anal;  female  with  dorsal  nearly  as  high  as  long,  the  anal 
opposite  its  front. 

Color  olivaceous;  scales  with  brown  spots;  dorsal  fin  with  trans- 
verse series  of  blackish  spots;  other  fins  plain.  (Girard.) 

147.  Mollienesia  latipinna  Le  Sueur. 

Mollienisia  latipinna  Le  Sueur,  Jour.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1821, 
3;  New  Orleans:  Garman,  Memoirs  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  1859, 
50,  pi.  v,  fig.  i,  teeth;  pi.  vm,  fig."  12:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  699:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull. 
U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900,  131;  Lagoons  near  Tampico. 
Pcecilia  lineata  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  70,  pi.  xxxv,  figs.  9-11, 

1859;  Rio  Grande,  near  Brownsville,  Texas. 
Limia  matamorensis  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.   Phila.,  1859, 

116;  Matamoras,  Tamaulipas. 

Lowland  streams  and  lagoons,  from  Yucatan  to  South  Carolina. 
(La  Vega,  Tamaulipas,  E.  W.  Nelson.) 

Head  3^  (?)  to  4  (3);  depth  2^  (?)  to  3  (<$);  D.  13  to  16; 
A.  8;  scales  9  or  10-26.  Body  oblong,  much  compressed  in  males, 
nearly  of  equal  height  from  dorsal  backward ;  greatest  height  of  body 
about  %  more  than  that  of  caudal  peduncle;  females  with  a  more 
distended  abdomen  and  more  slender  caudal  peduncle;  head  very 
small,  depressed,  not  narrowed  forward;  mouth  very  small,  vertical; 
teeth  small,  movable,  in  a  band,  the  outer  series  the  larger;  eye  3^  to 
3X  in  head;  dorsal  fin  in  males  enormously  high;  the  longest  ray 
2^2  in  body;  dorsal  in  females  low,  longest  ray  about  1%  in  head; 
origin  of  dorsal  in  front  of  that  of  anal,  its  origin  to  base  of  caudal 
2ls  times  to  tip  of  snout;  anal  fin  ($)  very  small,  that  of  male 
modified  into  an  intromittent  organ;  caudal  fin  rounded;  intestinal 
canal  elongate,  about  2^2  times  the  length  of  the  fish. 

Color  of  male,  light  olive  green  marbled  with  darker  and  spotted 
with  pale  green ;  each  scale  on  back  and  sides  with  an  oblong,  blackish 
spot,  these  forming  continuous  lengthwise  stripes;  head  dusky  above; 


156  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

opercle  and  cheek  minutely  speckled;  an  orange  stripe  above  opercle; 
lower  parts  of  head  mostly  orange ;  dorsal  with  about  5  series  of  linear 
blackish,  horizontal  spots  forming  interrupted  lines;  a  large  roundish 
dark  spot  above  middle  of  fin  or  membrane  between  each  pair  of 
rays ;  many  round  brown  spots  between  these  and  above  them ;  caudal 
with  a  narrow  black  margin;  dorsal  and  caudal  fins  of  females  oliva- 
ceous, with  indistinct  narrow  cross  bands  formed  by  a  series  of  smalfr 
dark  dots  or  rays.  Length  about  3  inches. 

The  male  of  this  species  with  his  highly  colored  dorsal  fin  is  a 
fish  of  remarkable  beauty. 

63.     Xiphophorus  Heckel. 

Xiphophorus  Heckel,  Sitzgsber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1848,  i,  pt. 
3,  163.  (Type,  Xiphophorus  helleri  Heckel.) 

Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed;  dorsal  fin  in  advance  of 
the  anal  in  females;  teeth  in  two  series,  the  outer  enlarged,  loose; 
the  lower  rays  of  the  caudal  fin  of  the  male  produced  into  a  long, 
sword -shaped  filament;  anal  fin  of  male  placed  forward  and  modified 
into  an  intromittent  organ;  alimentary  canal  in  about  four  coils  on 
right  side,  its  length  about  twice  that  of  the  fish;  vertebrae  16  +  14 
=  30- 
KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  XIPHOPHORUS. 

a.  Anal  fin  long,  with  8  or  9  rays;  edges  of  scales  PAGE 

on  upper  part  of  body  not  especially  dark,  very 
faint, 
b.     Body  slender,  its  depth  3^";  least  depth  of 

caudal  peduncle  2]^  in  head jalapa     156 

bb.  Body  more  robust,  its  depth  3^  to   3 ;   least 

depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2^  in  head lielleri     157 

aa.  Anal  fin  short,  with  7  rays ;  edges  of  scales  on 
upper  part  of  body  very  dark,  making  their 
outlines  very  distinct montezuma  158 

148.  Xiphophorus  jalapre  Meek. 

Xiphophorus  jalap®  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  107; 
Jalapa. 

Streams  of  Central  Vera  Cruz,  at  an  altitude  of  about  5,000  feet. 
(Jalapa). 

Head  4;  depth  3^;  D.  13;  A.  9;  scales  8-28.  Body  elongate, 
not  very  robust,  but  with  a  deep  caudal  peduncle;  head  flattish,  de- 
pressed forward,  being  wedge-shaped;  interorbital  broad,  convex,  2 
in  head;  mouth  rather  small,  lower  jaw  the  longer;  outer  series  of 


FAMILY  XL     PCECILIID^E.  157 

teeth  pointed  and  loose,  followed  by  a  band  of  smaller  conical  pointed 
teeth,  eye  large,  3  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  well  in  advance  of  the 
anal,  midway  between  base  of  caudal  fin  and  middle  of  snout;  base 
of  dorsal  i|  in  head;  longest  dorsal  ray  if  (?)  to  if  (5)  in  head; 
pectoral  if  in  head;  ventrals  i^;  caudal  sub-truncate;  caudal 
appendage  of  male  pointed,  its  length  if  in  the  length  of  the  body; 
caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  least  depth  2^  in  head;  modified  anal 
of  the  male  short  and  thick,  its  length  i^  in  head,  a  notch  on  under 
side  near  its  tip. 

Color  of  female  olive  brown  above,  nearly  plain  white  below,  a 
narrow  lateral  band  passing  around  snout  on  upper  half  of  the  body ; 
each  scale  with  a  dark  center,  giving  faint  brownish  lines  on  the  sides ; 
dorsal  fin  with  two  rows  of  black  spots  near  the  base;  other  fins  plain; 
color  of  male  similar  to  that  of  the  female,  except  the  dark  lateral 
band  extending  on  caudal  fin  and  forming  the  upper  black  margin 
of  caudal  appendage;  a  second  lateral  band  from  lower  angle  of 
pectoral  to  origin  of  the  anal  fin,  and  a  dark  streak  on  ventral  surface 
of  caudal  peduncle,  forming  the  lower  black  margin  of  caudal  appen- 
dage ;  in  life  the  middle  of  the  caudal  appendage  and  the  lighter  portion 
of  lower  half  of  the  body  is  a  bright  yellow;  dorsal  fin  of  both  sexes 
spotted.  Length  about  4  inches. 

This  species  is  smaller  than  X.  helleri;  it  is  more  slender  and  the 
male  has  the  second  lateral  band  from  angle  of  pectoral  to  origin  of 
the  anal  fin.  Known  only  from  the  type  locality,  where  it  is  abundant. 

149.  Xiphophorus  helleri  Heckel. 

Xiphophorus  helleri  Heckel,  Sitz.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wen,  1898,  163; 
Rio  Chisoy;  Cordoba:  Gunther,  Fishes  Cent.  Amer.,  485,  pi.  87, 
figs.  2-6,  1869;  Rio  Chisoy:  Garman,  Memoirs  Musi  Comp. 
Zool.,  1895,  68,  pi.  iv,  fig.  14,  teeth,  pi.  vm,  fig.  4;  Mexico 
and  Central  America:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  701. 
Xiphophorus  helleri  Var.  g  Giinther,  Cat.,  vi,  350,  1866;  Rio 

Chisoy,  Guatemala. 
Xiphophorus  guntheri  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1896,  702. 

Lowland  streams  of  southern  Mexico  and  Guatemala,  which 
empty  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  (Cordoba;  Otopa;  Motzorongo; 
Refugio;  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Sanborn.) 

Head  4f  to  4f;  depth  3  to  3^ ;  D.  12  or  13;  A.  8  or  9;  scales 
9-30.  Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  small;  interorbital  slightly 
convex,  if  in  head;  snout  3^  in  head;  eye  3^3  in  head;  origin  of 
dorsal  fin  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal,  about  >£ 


158  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

of  the  fin  in  advance  of  origin  of  anal ;  pectoral  fin  i  %  in  head ;  ventrals 
(6)  i  to  (?)  i^a  in  head;  modified  anal  fin  of  male  with  a  hook 
near  its  tip,  the  length  of  the  fin  i>£  in  head;  caudal  appendage 
pointed,  i%  to  2  in  body;  caudal  peduncle  deep,  much  compressed, 
least  depth  i£  in  head. 

Color  light  brown,  lighter  below;  the  lower  half  of  the  body  in 
life  a  bright  yellow,  which  extends  to  the  tip  of  the  caudal  filament. 
The  caudal  filament  is  bordered  above  and  below  with  black;  a  dark 
lateral  band  from  snout  to  upper  third  of  caudal  fin  forming  the  black 
on  the  upper  part  of  the  caudal  filament;  some  specimens  with  from 
2  to  4  vertical  bars  on  the  side  near  the  tip  of  the  pectoral  fin ;  dorsal 
fin  in  both  sexes  much  spotted  with  black.  Length  about  5  inches. 

Some  of  these  fishes  have  large  black  blotches  on  sides  and  on 
fins,  which  appear  like  large  ink  stains.  This  peculiar  blotching 
forms  the  basis  of  the  description  of  the  nominal  species  of  Xipho- 
phorus  guntheri  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

Eggs  of  females  taken  the  last  week  of  April  have  the  eye  spots 
and  the  outline  of  the  body  formed. 

150.  Xiphophorus  montezumae  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Xiphophorus  montezumce  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  131,  fig.  ii ;  Rio  Verde,  near  Rascon,  San  Luis  Potosi: 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3156. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Panuco.     (Rascon.) 


X 

FlG.  50.    XIPHOPHORUS  MONTEZUM/E  Jordan  &  Snyder. 
No.  6145,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  4  to  4^ ;  depth  3  to  3,^ ;  D.  1 1  to  13 ;  A.  7 ;  scales  9-27  to  29. 
Body  robust,  deep,  compressed,  dorsal  region  somewhat  elevated; 
head  broad;  interorbital  space  slightly  convex,  2  in  head;  snout  $%', 
eye  3 ;  origin  of  dorsal  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal ; 
pectoral  (3)  equaling  length  of  head  to  (?)  i%  in  its  length;  origin  of 
anal  fin  under  middle  of  dorsal;  caudal  appendage  pointed,  its  length 
almost  equal  to  length  of  body. 


FAMILY  XI.     PCECILIID^E.  159 

Color  yellowish  olive;  a  rather  faint  lateral  band  extending  from 
snout  to  upper  third  of  caudal  fin,  above  this  a  light  band ;  the  scales 
on  upper  fourth  of  body  with  dark  edges,  forming  stripes  along  the 
rows  of  scales;  specimens  occasionally  With  a  dark  caudal  spot,  and 
some  have  a  few  dark  blotches  on  the  side ;  caudal  appendage  bordered 
above  and  below  with  black;  dorsal  fin  with  black  spots,  the  other 
fins  plain.  Length  about  2^  inches. 

Females  taken  May  6th  with  developed  eggs.  One  specimen  1.74 
inches  in  length  contained  16  eggs. 


Order  ix.    Synentognathi, 


Lower  pharyngeal  bones  fully  united;  ventral  fins  abdominal, 
without  spine;  no  mesacorocoid ;  lateral  line  concurrent  with  the 
belly,  peculiar  in  structure;  air  bladder  without  duct  in  the  adult; 
vertebrae  numerous,  the  abdominal  ones  much  more  numerous  than 
the  caudal. 

Family  XII.     Belonidre. 
THE  NEEDLE  FISHES. 

Body  elongate,  very  slender,  little  compressed,  covered  with 
small  thin  scales;  both  jaws  produced  in  a  beak,  the  lower  the  longer, 
very  much  so  in  the  young;  each  jaw  with  a  band  of  small  sharp 
teeth ;  no  finlets ;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  opposite  each  other ;  air  bladder 
present;  pectoral  fins  on  axis  of  body;  vertebrae  numerous. 

This  family  comprises  a  group  of  voracious  carnivorous  fishes 
which  bear  considerable  resemblance  in  form  to  the  Garpikes.  They 
are  found  in  all  warm  seas,  a  few  species  entering  fresh  water. 

t>4.     Tylosurus  Cocco. 

Tylosurus  Cocco,  "Lettere  in  Giornale  Sci.  Sicilia,  xvn,"  18,  1829. 
(Type,  Tylosurus  cantrainii  Cocco.) 

Body  elongate,  very  slender,  not  much  compressed;  both  jaws 
prolonged  into  a  beak;  each  jaw  armed  with  a  band  of  small,  sharp 
teeth,  besides  which  is  a  series  of  longer,  wide-set,  sharp,  conical, 
unequal  teeth;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or  palatines;  lateral  line  running 
along  the  side  of  the  belly,  becoming  median  on  caudal  peduncle; 
ventral  fins  small,  inserted  behind  the  middle  of  the  body;  caudal 
fin  lunate  or  forked. 

>    i  Species  numerous,  chiefly  American,  the  following  one  entering 
the  eastern  rivers  of  Mexico  south  of  Vera  Cruz. 

151.  Tylosurus  marinus   (Walbaum).     GAR  FISH;  NEEDLE  FISH. 
Esox  marinus  Walbaum,  Artedi  Piscium,  in,  88,  1792  (after  the 

Sea  Snipe  of  Schopf ) ;  Long  Island. 
Belone  truncata  Gunther,  Cat.,  vi,  244,  1866. 
Tylosurus  marinus  Jordan  &   Evermann,   Bull.   47,   U.   S.   Nat. 

Mus.,  1896,  714. 

Very  abundant  on  our  Atlantic  coast  from  Cape  Cod  to  Yucatan; 
often  ascending  rivers  far  above  tide  water.  (San  Francisco;  Perez.) 

160 


FAMILY  XII.     BELONID^;.  161 

Head  3;  depth  about  18;  D.  14;  A.  15;  scales  about  300.  Body 
slender,  not  compressed;  snout  4|;  interorbital  slightly  concave, 
its  width  2^3  in  posterior  part  of  head;  upper  jaw  from  center  of  eye 
twice  the  length  of  the  rest  of  the  head;  lateral  line  passing  into  a 
slight  keel;  caudal  peduncle  depressed. 

Color  greenish,  sides  silvery;  a  dark  silvery  lateral  band;  a  dark 
bar  on  anterior  part  of  opercle.  Length  about  4  feet.  A  very  good 
food  fish. 


Order  x.    Lophobranchii, 

THE  LOPHOBRANCHS. 

Body  elongate,  covered  with  bony  plates,  which  are  firmly  con- 
nected forming  a  carapace;  gills  tufted,  composed  of  small, 
rounded  lobes  attached  to  the  gill  arches;  gill  openings  small;  snout 
produced,  bearing  the  small,  toothless  mouth  at  its  end;  pectoral 
fins  elevated ;  ventrals  wanting.  An  interesting  group  of  small  fishes 
found  in  warm  seas. 

Family  XIII.     Syngiiathidw. 

THE  PIPE  FISHES. 

Body  elongate,  usually  slender,  covered  with  bony  plates,  which 
are  firmly  connected;  head  slender,  the  snout  long,  tube-like,  bearing 
the  short,  toothless  jaws  at  the  end;  gill  openings  small;  tail  long, 
provided  with  a  small  caudal  fin;  males  with  an  egg  pouch  usually 
placed  on  the  underside  of  the  tail,  sometimes  on  the  abdomen; 
dorsal  fin  single,  nearly  median,  of  soft  rays  only;  pectorals  small  or 
wanting;  ventrals  none;  anal  fin  small. 

The  egg  pouch  of  the  male  is  formed  of  two  folds  of  skin  which 
meet  on  the  median  line  of  the  ventral  surface.  The  eggs  are  received 
into  this  pouch  and  retained  until  sometime  after  hatching,  when  the 
pouch  opens  and  the  young  fishes  escape.  Very  few  species  of  this 
family  are  found  in  fresh  water. 

65.     Siphostoma  Rafinesque. 

Siphostoma  Rafinesque,  Caratteri  Nuovi  Generi,  18,  1810.  (Type, 
Sygnathus  pelagic^  Osbeck.) 

Body  elongate,  very  slender,  6  or  7  angled,  not  compressed, 
tapering  into  a  very  long  tail ;  the  dorsal  keels  of  the  trunk  not  con- 
tinuous with  those  of  the  tail;  snout  long  and  slender;  jaws  short  and 
toothless;  caudal  fin  present,  small;  pectorals  present,  short  and 
broad;  ventrals  none;  anal  small;  the  females  deeper  than  the  males, 
with  a  more  robust  trunk  and  a  more  distinct  ventral  keel. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  SIPHOSTOMA. 

a.     Tail  shorter  than  the  body;  body  rings  19-1-24;  PACE 

dorsal  rays  44 brevicauda     1 63 

aa.  Tail  twice  as  long  as  the  body;  body  rings 

14  -f-  37  or  38;  dorsal  rays  38 starksi     163 

162 


FAMILY  XIII.     SYNGNATHID.E.  163 

152.  Siphostoma  brevicaudum  sp.  nov.     PIPE  FISH. 
Type,  No.  4586,  F.  C.  M.,  5.9  inches  in  length;   Boca 

del  Rio,  Vera  Cruz. 

Head  $l/$\  depth  23;  D.  44,  on  2  +  7  rings;  body  rings 
18  or  19  +  24.     Body  rather  robust;  snout  slender,  with 
a  low  median  and  two  lateral  keels  on  upper  surface  and 
a  deep  groove  on  under  side;  distance  from  gill  opening 
to  anterior  margin  of  the  orbit  \%  in  the  snout;  diameter 
of  eye  2  in  postorbital  part  of  head;  a  prominent  ridge 
across  middle  of  opercle;  body  with  7  keels,  those -on  mid- 
dle of  sides  reaching  the  dorsal  keels  below  just  back  of 
vent;  a  second  short  lateral  keel  begins  opposite  origin  of 
dorsal  fin,  meeting  the  one  above  it  opposite  posterior  end     5 
of  dorsal  fin;  base  of  dorsal  fin  equals  distance  from  tip      w 
of    snout    to   posterior    margin  of  orbit;    shields  without 
spines;  body  longer  than  the  tail;  total  length  5.9  inches;     j 
length  of  tail  2.5  inches. 

Color  olive  brown,  head  darker;  two  rows  of  black  | 
spots  of  four  each  on  under  side  of  snout.  Length  about  CD 
6  inches.  5 

Three  specimens  of  this  species  were  taken  in  brackish      > 

water  at  Boca  del  Rio. 

~s. 

S 

153.  Siphostoma  starksi  Jordan  &  Culver. 

Siphostoma  starksi  Jordan  &  Culver,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad. 
Sci.,  1895,    416,   pi.  xxx ;    Rio    Presidio,    Presidio: 
Jordan  &   Evermann,    Bull.  47,   U.  S.  Nat.    Mus., 
1896,  771:  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1896,  263; 
San  Jose  del  Cabo,  Lower  California. 
Pacific  coast  streams,  Rio  Presidio  to  Rio  San  Geroni- 
mo.     (San  Geronimo.) 

Head  10%',  depth  21;  D.  38,  on  o  +  10  or  n  rings; 
body  rings  14  +  37  or  38.  Body  rather  stout;  head 
scarcely  carinate  above;  snout  very  short,  with  a  slight, 
smooth  keel;  no  keel  on  opercle;  belly  slightly  keeled; 
two  lateral  keels  on  body  confluent  into  one  behind;  tail  $$ 

twice  as  long  as  the  body. 

Color  dark  olive,  much  mottled  with  darker,  but  without  distinct 
markings;  belly  yellowish.     Length  about  6  inches. 

A  small  species  entering  fresh  waters.     One  specimen  taken  by 
me  at  San  Geronimo  is  4.2  inches  in  length. 


Order  XI.    AcanthopteH. 

THE  SPINY-RAYED  FISHES. 

Anterior  vertebrae  unmodified;  one  or  more  fins  with  spines; 
ventral  fins  usually  placed  anterior,  normally  attached  to  the  pelvis 
and  typically  with  one  spine  and  five  soft  rays,  sometimes  fewer  or 
wanting,  sometimes  without  spine  or  with  many  rays,  or  otherwise 
modified;  gill  openings  normal,  large;  scales  usually  ctenoid. 

KEY  TO  THE  FAMILIES  OF  ACANTHOPTERI. 

a.  Eyes  symmetrical,  one  or  more  fins  with  spines;  PAGE 

dorsal  fin  short,  its  combined  spines  and  rays 
less  than  30. 
b.  Lateral  line  present;  ventral  fins  not   close 

together,  the  outer  rays  the  longer. 
c.  Dorsal  fins  2,  well  separated,  the  first  of  3  to 
8  spines;    no    well    developed   lateral    line; 
some  scales  often  with  rudimentary  mucus 
tubes. 

d.  Anal  fin  with  one  weak  spine ;  dorsal  spines 
3  to  8,  flexible;  stomach  not  gizzard-like; 

alimentary  canal  short;  species  carnivorous.  .Atherinidce     165 
dd.  Anal  spines,  2   or  3 ;  dorsal  with  4  stiff 
spines,  the  last  one  being  much  shorter 
than    the    others;    stomach    gizzard -like ; 

alimentary  canal  long Mugilida     185 

cc.  Dorsal  'fin  single,  or,  if  2  fins,  the  spinous 
slightly  separated  from  the  soft  portion; 
lateral  line  more  or  less  developed. 

e.  Lateral  line  not   interrupted;   nostrils  2  on 
each  side. 

f.  Maxillary  not  sheathed  by  the  preorbital, 
or  only  partially  covered  by  its  edge ;  ven- 
tral with  its  accessory  scale  very  small,  or 
wanting, 
g.     Anal  spines  3  to  9 ;  dorsal  fins  confluent ; 

body  usually  much  compressed Centrarchidce     189 

gg.  Anal  spines  i  or  2;  dorsal  fins  2 ,  slightly 

separate;  body  but  slightly  compressed Percidce     196 

ff.  Maxillary  slipping  for  most  of  its  length 
under  the   edge   of   the  preorbital,  which 

164 


FAMILY  XIV.     ATHERINIDJE.  165 

forms    a    more    or    less  distinct    sheath;  PAGE 

ventral  with   an    accessory  scale;   lateral 
line  usually  extending  on  the  caudal  fin. 
h.  Anal  spines  3,  the  second  long  and  very 

strong.   , 

i.  Vomer    and   palatines  with  teeth;    pre- 
opercle    with    2    margins,  the    posterior 

one  strongly  toothed Centropomida     198 

ii.  Vomer  and  palatines  without  teeth;  pre- 

opercle  with  single  margin Hcemulida     199 

hh.  Anal  spines  2 ;  lateral  line  extending  on 

the  caudal  fin Scianidce     202 

ee.  Lateral  line  interrupted,  usually  ceasing 
opposite  the  posterior  part  of  the  dorsal, 
and  then  recommencing  lower  down  on 
the  caudal  peduncle;  anal  fin  with  3  or 
more  spines;  dorsal  fin  single,  the  spinous 
portion  usually  longer  than  the  soft  por- 
tion.  Cichlidce  204 

bb.  No  lateral  line;  ventral  fins  close  together, 
separate,  or  fully  united,  the  inner  rays  the 

longer Gobiida     225 

aa.  Eyes  unsymmetrical,  both  on  same  side  of  the 
head ;  fins  without  spines ;  dorsal  fin  very  long, 
of  more  than  40  rays Soleida  234 

Family  XIV.     Atheriiiidse. 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed,  covered  with  scales  of 
moderate  or  small  size,  and  usually  cycloid;  no  lateral  lines;  some 
scales  often  with  rudimentary  mucus  tubes;  mouth  moderate,  ter- 
minal; premaxillary  usually  protractile;  opercle  without  spines  or 
serrations;  gill  openings  wide,  the  membranes  not  connected;  free 
from  the  isthmus;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth;  pseudobranchiae 
present;  dorsal  fins  2,  well  separated,  the  first  of  3  to  8  slender  flexible 
spines,  the  second  of  soft  rays;  ventral  fins  small,  abdominal,  of  one 
spine  and  5  soft  rays:  pectorals  inserted  high;  air  bladder  present; 
no  pyloric  cceca. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  ATHERINID^E. 

a.  Belly  before  ventrals  not  compressed  to  an 
edge ;  pectoral  fin  equal  to  or  shorter  than  the 
head. 


i66  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

b.     Origin  of  spinous  dorsal  in  front  of  origin  of  PAGE 

.    the  anal  fin ;  base  of  the  anal  usually  shorter 

than  head '. Chirostoma     1 66 

bb.  Origin  of  spinous  dorsal  over  or  behind  origin 
of  anal  fin. 

c.     Scales  cycloid;  iris  silvery Menidia     181 

cc.  Scales  with  crenate  edges;  iris  black Melaniris     183 

aa.  Belly  before  ventrals  compressed  to  an  edge; 

pectoral  fin  much  longer  than  head Thyrina     184 

• 

66.     Chirostoma  Swainson. 
Chirostoma    Swainson,    Class'n    Fishes,    etc.,   243,   1839.     (Type, 

Atherina  humboldtiana  Cuv.  &  Val.) 

Atherinoides  Bleeker,  Verhand.  Batav.  Gen.,  Japan,  xxv,  40,  1853. 
(Type,  Atherina   vomerina  Cuv.  &  Val.  =  Atherina   humboldt- 
iana Cuv.  &  Val.) 
Atherinichthys  Bleeker,   1.  c.,  40.     (Type,    Atherina  humboldtiana 

Cuv.  &  Val.) 
Heterognathus  Girard,   Proc.   Acad.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,  1854,    198. 

(Type,  Atherina  humboldtiana  Cuv.  &  Val.) 
Lethostole  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  792. 

(Type,  Chirostoma  estor  Jordan.) 
Eslopsarum  Jordan   &   Evermann,  Check-list   Fishes,  330,   1896. 

(Type,  Chirostoma  jordani  Woolman.) 

Body  elongate,  slightly  compressed;  mouth  more  or  less  oblique, 
terminal;  the  upper  jaw  curved  near  its  middle;  premaxillaries  very 
protractile;  spinous  dorsal  near  middle  of  the  body,  in  advance  of 
origin  of  anal  fin;  gill  rakers  rather  long  and  slender,  14  to  27  on  first 
gill  arch;  peritoneum  black;  alimentary  canal  short,  shorter  than  total 
length  of  the  body;  vertebrae  36  to  44. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  CHIROSTOMA. 

a.    Scales  large,  less  than  45  in  the  lateral  series;  PAGE 

edges  of  scales  entire  (occasionally  crenate  in 
bartoni) ;  vertebras  usually  less  than  40 ;  species 
of  small  size. 

b.  Mouth  small,  very  oblique;  snout  short,  4  in 
length  of  head;  base  of  anal  equal  to  or 
slightly  longer  than  head;  anal  rays  16  to  18; 
teeth  very  minute;  scales  with  entire  edges, 

37  or  38  in  the  lateral  series jordani     169 

bb.  Mouth  larger,  less  oblique;  snout  longer,  2% 
to  3^3  in  head. 


FAMILY  XIV.     ATHERINID^E.  167 

c.    Base  of  anal  much  longer  than  head,  its  ray  PAGE 

19  to  21 ;  scales  40;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal 

nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal  fin mezquital     170 

cc.  Base  of  anal  equal  to  or  shorter  than  head, 
d.    Origin  of  spinous  dorsal  over  tips  of  ven- 
trals,  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and 
nostril. 

e.  Body  robust,  its  depth  4^  in  the  length 
of  the  body;  base  of  anal  i-J-  in  the  head, 
its  rays  16  or  17;  scales  11-38  to  40;  teeth 
large,  sharp,  in  two  definite  rows  in  each 
jaw;  gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  3  +  11  to 

14  on  first  arch arge     171 

ee.  Body  slender,  its  depth  6  in  the  length  of 
the  body;  scales  10-42;  anal  rays  15;  gill 
rakers  long  and  slender,  4+17  on  the  first 

arch bartoni     172 

dd.  Origin  of  spinous  dorsal  over  middle  of  ven- 
trals,  being  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of 
caudal  by  a  distance  equal  to  the  diameter 
of  the  eye;  base  of  anal  if  in  the  head,  its 
rays  13  or  14;  gill  rakers  4  +  18=22;  teeth 

very  small attenuatum     172 

ddd.  Origin  of  spinous  dorsal  over  space  between 
tips  of  ventrals  and  origin  of  anal  fin,  mid- 
way between  base  of  caudal  and  posterior 
margin  of  orbit ;  base  of  anal  fin  equaling 
length  of  the  head,  its  rays  20;  teeth  large, 
in  a  single  row,  except  near  tip  of  upper 
jaw;  few  anterior  teeth  large,  canine-like 

scales  12-42 ;  gill  rakers  4+13 labarca     173 

aa.  Scales  smaller,  more  than  45  in  the  lateral 
series;  edges  of  the  scales  usually  crenate; 
vertebrae  more  than  40. 

f.   Scales  entire ;  base  of  anal  about  if  in  length 
of  head,  its  rays  13  to  19;  snout  3  to  3^  in 
length  of  head, 
g.    Origin  of  spinous  dorsal  nearer  tip  of  snout 

than  base  of  caudal  fin. 

h.  Anal  rays  17;  gill  rakers  4+21  =25;  scales 
12-48;  body  light,  translucent,  sl'ghtly 
compressed;  depth  5^;  origin  of  spinous 


i68  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

dorsal    s  ightly   nearer  tip  of   snout  than  PAGE 

base  of  caudal patzcuaro     174 

hh.  Anal  rays  13  or  14;  gill  rakers  4  +  17=21; 
scales  54-12;  body  dark,  opaque,  scarcely 
compressed;  depth  6%;  origin  of  spinous 
dorsal  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of 
caudal  by  a  distance  greater  than  diam- 
eter of  eye • zirahuen  174 

gg.  Origin  of  spinous  dorsal  midway  between 
base  of  caudal  fin  and  anterior  margin  of 
orbit,  or  nostril;  anal  rays  17  to  19;  scales 
15-54;  gill  rakers  4-1-15=19;  species  of  large 

size humboldtianum     175 

ff.  Scales  with  crenate  edges;  origin  of  spinous 
dorsal  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  tip  of  the 
snout;  anal  rays  18  to  24. 

i.  Snout  short,  3^  in  length  of  the  head,  being 
equal  to   or  shorter  than   the  diameter    of 
the  eye;  species  of  small  size. 
j.   Scales  in  lateral  series  49,  transverse  13; 
anal  base  equals  the  length  of  the  head,  its 

rays  21 chapaltz     176 

jj.  Scales  in  the  lateral  series  62,  transverse  14; 
base  of  anal  fin   i^  in  the   length  of  the 

head,  its  rays  19 grandocule     176 

ii.  Snout  long,  2^  to  25^  in  the  length  of  the 
head;  diameter  of  eye  4  %  to  5^  in  head;  spe- 
cies of  large  size. 

I.  Upper  jaw  decidedly  longer  than  the  lower, 
mandible    2%    in   the   head;    tip  of   snout 
black;  base  of  anal  fin  iX  in  the  head,  its 
rays   19   or   20;  scales   15-53   to   56;  teeth 
large,  not  in  definite   rows;    snout  2%    in 

head ;  diameter  of  eye  5 Y$ ;  gill  rakers  5  +  19 prome'.as     177 

II.  Lower  jaw  decidedly  longer  than  the  upper; 
mandible  if  to  2^  in  the  head;  tip  of  jaws 
not  black  (dusky  in  some  specimens) . 

m.  Scales  between  dorsal  fins  very  small, 
more  than  20  in  a  series  between  the 
fins;  scales  22-60  to  70 ;  gi  1  rakers  ?+23 ; 
teeth  large  anteriorly,  canine-like,  not 
arranged  in  definite  rows;  mandible  2  in 
head sphyr&na  177 


FAMILY  XIV.     ATHERINID.E.  169 

mm.  Scales  in  the  region  of  dorsal  fins  larger,  PAGE 

less  than  15  in  a  series  between  the  two 
fins. 

n.    Scales  in  the  lateral  series  54  to  60. 
o.    Lower  jaw  projecting  but  little  beyond 

the  upper,  mandible  about  2^  in  head, 
p.    Teeth  weak,  in  patches,  not  arranged 
in   definite    rows;    gill   rakers   4+23; 
scales   18-56  to  60;   mandible  2%  in 

head Lucius     178 

pp.  Teeth  large  and  strong,  in  two  definite 
rows,  the  larger  teeth  on  inner  row  of 
upper  jaw  and  outer  row  on  lower; 
mandible  2^  in  head;  gill  rakers 

5  +  20;    scales   20—58 lermce     179 

oo.  Lower  jaw  projecting  much  beyond 
the  upper;  mandible  if  in  the  head; 
teeth  on  jaws  small,  in  bands;  scales 
19-54  to  57;  gill  rakers  5  +  20;  base  of 

anal  fin  1%  in  head,  its  rays  20 ocotlana     180 

nn.  Scales  in  the  lateral  series  70,  transverse 
18;  teeth  on  jaws  large  and  numerous, 
not  arranged  .in  definite  rows;  usually 
i  to  3  large  teeth  on  vomer ;  base  of  anal 
-ifA  in  head,  its  rays  18  to  19 estor  180 

Subgenus  Eslopsarum  Jordan. 
154.  Chirostoma  Jordan!  Woolman. 

Chirostoma  brasiliensis  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  299; 
Lago  de  Chapala. 

Chirostoma  jordani  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894,  62; 
Rio  Lerma,  Salamanca,  Guanajuato,  and  64,  City  of  Mexico: 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  793 :  B.  A. 
Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  540;  Lago  de  Cuitzeo, 
Michoacan:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  112;  Chalco; 
Texcoco ;  Xochimilco ;  Aguas  Calientes ;  Lagos ;  Ocotlan ;  Acam- 
baro;  Huingo. 

Atherinichthys  brevis  Steindachner,  Anz.  der  Kais.  Akad.  vViss., 
Wien,  1894,  149;  Lago  de  Cuitzeo,  Michoacan. 

Eslopsarum  jordani  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  133;  Rio  Verde,  Aguas  Calientes:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  3157:  Evermann  &  Goldsbor- 
ough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900;  Yautepec,  Morelos;  these 


170  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

specimens  were  gotten  in  the  markets,  having  been  sent  there 
from  the  Lerma  basin. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma  and  the  Valley  of  Mexico.     (Viga  Canal.) 


FIG.  52.    CHIROSTOMA  JORDANI  Woolman. 
No.  45572,  U.  S.  National  Museum. 

Head  3$ ;  depth  4,5/3';  D.  iv,  8  or  9;  A.  16  to  18;  scales  37  or  38. 
Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  snout  short,  its  length  4  in 
head;  mouth  small,  very  oblique,  the  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  an- 
terior margin  of  the  eye;  teeth  minute;  diameter  of  eye  3^  in  the 
head ;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and 
anterior  margin  of  the  orbit ;  anal  fin  long,  its  base  slightly  longer  than 
head ;  scales  with  entire  edges ;  pectoral  fin  i  ^  in  the  head ;  ventral  i  g  ; 
scales  at  the  nape  not  much  reduced  in  size. 

Color  light  olivaceous ;  a  narrow  blue  stripe  on  sides ;  edges  of  scales 
on  upper  half  of  body  with  black  dots.  Length  about  i1/*  inches. 

This  species  is  smaller,  more  abundant,  and  more  widely  distributed 
than  any  other  member  of  the  genus.  It,  with  the  other  small  species 
and  the  young  of  the  larger  ones,  is  dried  and  shipped  in  large  quan- 
tities to  the  larger  cities,  where  it  is  used  for  food. 

155.  Chirostoma  mezquital  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4389,  F.  C.  M.,  2^  inches  in  length;  Durango,  Du- 
rango. 


FIG.  53.    CHIROSTOMA  MEZQUITAL  Meek. 


FAMILY  XIV.     ATHERINID^;.  171 

Head  4.K;  depth  5^;  D.  iv-io;  A.  19;  scales  11-40  to  42.  Body 
elongate,  not  much  compressed;  snout  short,  its  length  3^  in  head;- 
mouth  small,  quite  oblique;  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  vertical  from 
front  of  eye;  jaws  equal;  teeth  small,  in  one  series  in  each  jaw;  eye 
large,  3  in  head;  interorbital  3  in  head;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  over 
middle  of  ventrals,  about  a  distance  equal  to  diameter  of  eye  nearer 
tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal ;  anal  fin  long,  its  base  nearly  one-half 
longer  than  head;  scales  with  entire  edges;  pectoral  i^  in  head;  ven- 
trals i  ^3 ;  a  few  scales  at  the  nape  reduced  in  size. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  a  narrow  blue  strip  on  the  side;  edges  of 
scales  on  upper  half  of  body  with  black  dots;  very  few  dark  dots  on 
scales  on  lower  half,  except  near  base  of  anal  fin.  Length  about  3 
inches. 

This  species  is  more  nearly  related  to  the  preceding  than  to  any 
other;  it  is  more  slender,  and  the  spinous  dorsal  has  a  more  forward 
position.  At  present  it  is  the  only  member  of  the  genus  in  Mexico 
known  outside  of  the  Lerma  basin.  A  few  specimens  were  taken 
from  the  Rio  Mezquital  near  Durango. 

156.  Chirostoma  arge   (Jordan  &  Snyder). 

Eslopsarum  arge  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900, 

113,  fig.  12;  Rio  Verde,  Aguas  Calientes:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3158. 
Chirostoma  arge  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65 ?  1902,  112;  Aguas 

Calientes;  Lagos. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FlG.  54.    CHIROSTOMA  ARGE  (Jordan  &  Snyder). 
No.  6154,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 


Head  4%;  depth  4%;  D.  iv-8;  A.  16  or  17;  scales  11-38  to  41. 
Body  rather  robust,  deepest  part  just  anterior  to  base  of  ventrals; 
mouth  rather  large,  oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting  slightly  beyond  the 
upper;  snout  pointed,  its  length  3  in  head;  teeth  large,  sharp,  in 
two  definite  rows  on  each  jaw,  none  on  vomer  or  palatines;  maxillary 
reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the  orbit  ;  diameter  of  eye  2% 


172  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

in  head ;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and 
nostril;  pectoral  ij/2  in  head;  ventral  2$;  anal  fin  moderate,  its  base 
i£  in  the  head;  lateral  line  represented  by  a  few  partly  developed 
pores  on  fifth  row  of  scales;  gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  14  on  first 
arch;  vertebrae  i8-f  18  =36. 

Color  silvery ;  a  dark  lateral  band,  not  prominent  in  pectoral  region ; 
scales  edged  with  dark  dots;  snout,  top  of  head,  and  upper  part  of  eye 
dusky;  dorsal  and  caudal  dusky.  Length  about  2^  inches. 

157.  Chirostoma  barton!  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

Chirostoma  humboldtianum  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879, 

299  (not  of  C.  &  V.) ;  Rio  Lerma,  near  Guanajuato. 
Chirostoma  bartoni  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  793;  Rio  Lerma,  near  Guanajuato:  Evermann  &  Golds- 
borough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  152;  Rio  Lerma,  near 
Lerma,  Mexico:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  112; 
Lerma. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma.    (Lerma.) 

Head  4;  depth  $%  to  6;  D.  iv-io;  A.  i,  13  to  15;  scales  11-41. 
Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed,  the  back  rounded;  snout 
pointed,  3f  in  head;  mouth  moderate,  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  slightly 
projecting;  the  mandible  2-^  in  the  head;  maxillary  3^;  diameter  of 
eye  4  in  head ;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base 
of  caudal;  pectorals  if  in  head;  ventrals  2;  base  of  anal  if;  scales 
cycloid  or  occasionally  crenate,  a  few  on  nape  reduced  in  size;  gill 
rakers  slender,  21  on  first  gill  arch. 

Color  silvery,  with  scattered  punctulations ;  a  narrow  dark  lateral 
band.  Length  about  4  inches. 

A  few  specimens  were  taken  at  the  fish  hatchery  near  Lerma. 
This  species  was  first  described  from  specimens  taken  in  the  Rio  Lerma 
near  Guanajuato. 

158.  Chirostoma  attenuatum  Meek. 

Chirostoma  attenuatum  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  112; 
Patzcuaro. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 

Head  4^;  depth  $}4;  D-  V-Q;  A.  13;  scales  11-42.  Body  rather 
slender,  not  much  compressed;  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer;  mouth 
small,  oblique;  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  front  of  orbit;  teeth 
very  small,  numerous  in  both  jaws,  those  in  the  upper  jaw  mostly  in 
two  series,  in  a  band  in  lower  jaw;  snout  pointed,  3^  m  the  head; 
mandible  3 ;  interorbital  space  3 ;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  over  middle 
of  ventrals  and  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal  by  a  distance 


FAMILY  XIV.     ATHERINID^;.  173 

greater  than  diameter  of  eye;  eye  3|;  length  of  pectoral  fin  i>£  in 
head;  ventral  2^;  base  of  anal  if;  caudal  peduncle  long  and  slender; 
scales  large,  with  entire  edges,  those  on  the  nape  slightly  reduced  in 
size;  gill  rakers  4+18=22;  vertebrae  23  +  20=43. 


FIG.  55.    CHIROSTOMA  ATTENUATUM  Meek. 

No.  3631,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  translucent;  smallest  specimens  (2^  inches 
in  length)  darker,  more  opaque;  silvery  band  on  sides  narrow,  incon- 
spicuous under  the  pectoral  fin,  being  widest  on  anterior  part  of  the 
caudal  peduncle.  Length  about  4  inches. 

Common  in  Lago  de  Patzcuaro,  not  taken  elsewhere. 

159.  Chirostoma  labarcx   Meek. 

Chirostoma  labarca  Meek,  Field  Qol.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  113;  La 
Barca;  La  Palma. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 

Head  3$;  depth  4%',  D.  iv-io;  A.  20  or  21;  scales  11-41.  Body 
slender,  compressed;  snout  rather  long,  pointed,  its  length  2$  in 
head;  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer;  eye  $%  in  head;  interorbital  3; 
mouth  moderate,  not  very  oblique,  maxillary  reaching  slightly 
beyond  anterior  margin  of  the  eye;  length  of  the  mandible  2l/z 
in  head;  a  single  series  of  large  teeth  in  each  jaw,  a  few  smaller 
teeth  behind  these,  a  few  near  tip  of  jaws  large  and  canine-like;  scales 
large,  with  edges  entire,  those  on  the  nape  very  slightly  reduced  in 
size;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  over  vent,  midway  between  base  of 
caudal  and  pupil;  base  of  anal  fin  equals  length  of  head;  length  of 
pectoral  fin  134  in  head;  ventral  fins  2  in  head;  gill  rakers  4  +  13  =17. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  translucent;  a  few  dark  dots  on  margins  of 
scales  on  upper  half  of  body;  lateral  band  narrow,  the  portion  under 
the  edge  of  the  pectoral  indistinct  and  made  up  of  a  few  dark  dots. 
Length  about  4  inches. 

Apparently  not  abundant,  known  only  from  a  few  specimens  taken 
at  La  Barca  and  La  Palma.  • 


J74 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


160.  Chirostoma  patzcuaro  Meek. 

Chirostoma  patzcuaro  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  113; 

Patzcuaro. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  56.    CHIROSTOMA  PATZCUARO  Meek. 

No.  3628,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 

Head  4%;  depth  5^;  D.  v-io;  A.  17  ;  scales  12-48.  Body  slender, 
moderately  compressed;  mouth  oblique;  snout  short,  pointed,  its 
length  3  ^in  length  of  head ;  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting  beyond  upper 
mandible,  2%  in  head;  diameter  of  eye  3%"  in  the  head;  teeth  small, 
numerous,  in  a  narrow  band  on  anterior  part  of  each  jaw,  becoming 
laterally,  in  two  series ;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  slightly  nearer  tip  of 
snout  than  base  of  caudal ;  base  of  anal  fin  i  %  in  length  of  the  head ; 
pectoral  1^2',  ventral  2^";  scales  moderately  large,  edges  entire,  those 
at  the  nape  slightly  reduced  in  size;  gill  rakers  4+21  =  25. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  translucent;  lateral  band  narrow.  Length 
about  4  inches. 

This  species  resembles  Chirostoma  chapala,  from  which  it  differs 
in  having  a  less  oblique  mouth,  a  shorter  anal  fin,  and  a  less  com- 
pressed body.  At  present  it  is  known  only  from  Lago  de  Patzcuaro, 
where  it  is  apparently  scarce. 

161.  Chirostoma  zirahuen  Meek. 

Chirostoma  zirahuen  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,   1902,  114; 

Zirahuen. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  57.    CHIROSTOMA  ZIRAHUEN  Meek. 
No.  3609,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


FAMILY  XIV.     ATHERINID/E.  175 

Head  4^;  depth  5^3 ;  D.  v-io;  A.  13;  scales  12-54.  Body  elon- 
gate, nearly  terete,  less  compressed  than  in  any  other  Chirostoma; 
mouth  moderately  oblique,  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer;  length  of 
snout  equal  to  diameter  of  eye,  3X  m  length  of  the  head;  interorbital 
broad,  3  in  head;  teeth  very  small,  in  a  narrow  band  in  each  jaw; 
origin  of  the  dorsal  fin  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal  by  a 
distance  greater  than  diameter  of  eye;  base  of  anal  fin  i^  in  head; 
pectoral  i  y$  ;  ventral  2 ;  scales  with  entire  margins ;  caudal  peduncle 
long  and  slender;  gill  rakers  4  +  17  =  21;  vertebrae  23  +  18  =  41. 

Color  dark  olivaceous  above,  lighter  below;  opaque.  This  species, 
characterized  by  its  dark  opaque  color,  its  terete  body,  the  backward 
position  of  the  dorsal  fin,  and  the  short  anal,  is  one  of  the  darkest 
found  in  the  Lerma  basin.  Length  about  4  inches.  It  is  the  most 
abundant  species  in  Lago  de  Zirahuen. 

Subgenus  Ohirostoma  Swainson. 

162.  Chirostoma  humboldtianum   (Cuv.  &Val.).     PESCADA  BLANCA. 
Atherina  humboldtiana  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  x, 

479>  J835;  lake  near  City  of  Mexico. 
Atherina  vomerina  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  1.  c. ;  lake  near  City  of 

Mexico. 

Atherinichthys  humboldtianus  Giinther,  Cat.,  in,  404,  1861. 
Chirostoma  humboldtianum  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U,  S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  793:  Evermann,  Proc.  Biol.  Soc.  Washington, 
1898,  2;  Laguna  de  Juanacatlan,  Jalisco:  Jordan  &  Snyder, 
Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900,  134;  Lago  de  Chalco:  Evermann 
&  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  152 ;  La  Laguna, 
Jalisco:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  114;  Chalco; 
Xochimilco;  Patzcuaro. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma  and  the  Valley  of  Mexico.  (Viga  Canal; 
Xochimilco.) 

Head  3^;  depth  4%"  to  5^;  D.  iv-n  to  13;  A.  17  to  20;  scales 
15-54.  Body  elongate,  rather  robust,  not  much  compressed;  snout 
pointed,  3  in  head;  mouth  moderate,  lower  jaw  projecting;  mandible 
2 1-  in  head;  teeth  in  jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  slightly  enlarged;  occa- 
sionally i  to  3  canine  teeth  on  vomer;  eye  4  to  4^  in  head;  origin  of 
spinous  dorsal  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  anterior  margin  of 
eye  or  nostril;  pectoral  if;  ventral  2^;  scales  usually  cycloid,  oc- 
casionally more  or  less  crenate;  gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  about  20 
on  the  first  gill  arch;  vertebrae  23  +  19=42. 

Color  brownish  olive,  sometimes  quite  translucent;  a  narrow  dark 
silvery  lateral  band;  specimens  from  lakes  with  much  vegetation  are 
very  dark.  Length  about  12  inches. 


176  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

This  is  one  of  the  largest  species  in  the  genus.  It  is  very  abundant 
in  the  lakes  near  the  City  of  Mexico,  and  in  this  region  is  the  most  im- 
portant food  fish.  By  far  the  larger  number  of  white  fishes  (Pescadas 
blancas)  offered  for  sale  in  the  markets  of  the  City  of  Mexico  belong 
to  this  species. 

163.  Chirostoma  c  ha  pa  hi-  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Chirostoma  chapalce  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.    Fish    Comm. 

1900,  135,  fig.  13;  Lago  de  Chapala,  Ocotlan,  Jalisco:  Jordan 

»  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3159:  Pellegrin, 

Bull.   Mus.   Hist.   Nat.   Paris,   1901,   205;  Estado  de  Jalisco: 

Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  115;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  58.    CHIROSTOMA  CHAPAL/E  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

No.  6155,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  4;  depth  5^!  D.  iv-io;  A.  21;  scales  13-49.  Body  slender, 
compressed,  its  deepest  part  below  first  dorsal;  snout  pointed,  its 
length  3 ;  mouth  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer;  maxillary 
not  quite  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the  orbit;  teeth 
minute,  in  bands,  not  arranged  in  definite  rows;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or 
palatines;  diameter  of  eye  3$  in  head;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  mid- 
way between  base  of  caudal  and  nostril ;  pectoral  i  %  in  head ;  ventrals 
2^;  base  of  anal  fins  equals  the  length  of  the  head;  lateral  line  on 
eighth  row  of  scales,  not  well  defined;  scales  with  crenate  edges,  the 
scales  on  nape  and  before  pectorals  reduced  in  size;  the  others  quite 
uniform;  gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  30  on  first  gill  arch;  vertebrae 
24+20  =  44. 

Color  silvery,  translucent;  a  dark  lateral  band;  scales  on  dorsal 
region  edged  with  dark  dots.  Length  about  4  inches. 

Very  abundant  in  Lago  de  Chapala  and  neighboring  region. 

164.  Chirostoma  grandocule  Steindachner. 

Chirostoma  grandocule  Steindachner,  Anzeiger  der  Kais.  Akad.  d. 
Wiss.  Wien,  1894,  149;  Lago  de  Patzcuaro,  Michoacan:  Jordan 
&  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  2839:  Meek, 
Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  115;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma;  Patz- 
cuaro. 


FAMILY  XIV.     ATHERINID^E.  177 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 

Head  3 f-;  depth  5^:  D.  v-n;  A.  19;  scales  14-62.  Body  elongate, 
compressed;  snout  pointed,  3  in  head;  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer; 
mandible  2%  in  head;  mouth  rather  small,  oblique;  teeth  in  jaws  in 
narrow  bands,  none  canine-like;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or  palatines;  eye 
3^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  tip 
of  snout ;  pectoral  i  yz  in  head ;  ventral  2  %  in  head ;  base  of  anal  i  y^, ; 
scales  small,  edges  slightly  crenate,  those  in  nape  and  before  pectoral 
fin  much  reduced;  gill  rakers  slender,  about  27  on  first  gill  arch;  verte- 
bras 23  +  20=43. 

Color  light  brownish,  translucent;  a  dark  silvery  lateral  band; 
scales  with  few  dark  punctulations.  Length  about  5  inches. 

This  is  the  most  abundant  member  of  the  genus  in  Lago  de  Patz- 
cuaro.  It  is  probably  quite  widely  distributed  throughout  the  Lerma 
basin. 

165.  Chirostoma  promelas  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Chirostoma  promelas  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  136,  fig.  14;  Lago  de  Chapala  (market  of  Guadalajara): 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3160: 
Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  182; 
Lago  de  Chapala:  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1901, 
205;  Estado  de  Jalisco:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902, 
115;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 

Head  3f;  depth  4f;  D.  iv-n;  A.  19  or  20;  scales  15-53  to  56. 
Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  slender,  triangular;  mouth  large, 
very  little  oblique;  snout  pointed,  2>£  in  the  head,  upper  jaw  the  longer; 
maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the  orbit;  teeth 
large,  not  arranged  in  definite  rows,  none  on  vomer  or  palatines';-diam- 
eter  of  eye  5  y$  in  head ;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  midway  between  base 
of  caudal  and  nostril ;  pectorals  i  ^  in  head ;  ventrals  2  % ;  base  of  anal 
\y%  in  head;  scales  with  crenate  edges,  those  on  nape  and  in  front  of 
pectorals  much  reduced  in  size;  gill  rakers  slender,  24  on  first  gill  arch. 
Color  silvery,  translucent,  a  distinct  dark  lateral  band;  scales  on 
upper  part  of  the  body  with  dusky  edges ;  snout  and  jaws  black.  Length 
about  7  inches. 

This  is  the  only  member  of  the  group  which  has  the  upper  jaw  de- 
cidedly longer  than  the  lower.  Only  a  few  specimens  known. 

Subgenus  Lethostole  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

166.  Chirostoma  sphyrasna  Boulenger. 

Chirostoma  sphyrcena  Bonlenger,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  1900,  55; 
Lago  de  Chapala:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  116. 


178  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Chirostoma  diazi  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900, 
137,  fig.  15;  Lago  de  Chapala  (Guadalajara  market):  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3161. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  59.    CHIROSTOMA  SPHYR/ENA  Boulenger. 

No.  6157  (Chirostoma  diazi  J.  &  S.).  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  3^;  depth  5;  D.  v-n;  A.  20;  scales  20-63  to  70.  Body 
elongate,  moderately  compressed;  head  large;  upper  jaw  the  longer; 
snout  2^  in  head;  mouth  large;  teeth  large  anteriorly,  growing  grad- 
ually smaller  posteriorly,  some  canine-like,  not  arranged  in  definite 
rows,  no  teeth  on  vomer  or  palatines;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  midway 
between  base  of  Caudal  and  eye;  scales  crenate,  those  on  the  dorsal 
region  very  small,  about  20  in  a  series  between  the  dorsal  fins;  base  of 
anal  if  in  head. 

Color  light  silvery,  translucent;  a  narrow  dark  silvery  lateral  band. 
Length  about  8  inches. 

The  small  scales  between  the  dorsal  fins  easily  distinguishes  this 
species  from  those  most  nearly  related  to  it. 

167.  Chirostoma  lucius  Boulenger. 

Chirostoma  lucius  Boulenger,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  1900,  54; 
Lago  de  Chapala:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  15;  La 
Barca;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull. 
U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1902,  152;  Lago  de  Chapala,  Guadalajara 
market. 

Chirostoma  crystallinum  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  139,  figs.  16  and   17;  Lago  de  Chapala,   and  Guadala- 
jara: Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.S.Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3162. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 

Head  3^";  depth  4$;  D.  ¥-13;  A.  23  or  24;  scales  17-56.  Body 
elongate,  compressed;  head  pointed;  snout  2f ;  mouth  large,  the  lower 
jaw  projecting;  mandible  2%  in  head;  teeth  in  bands  in  each  jaw,  all 
small,  none  canine-like;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or  palatines;  eye  5^  in 
head;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and 


FAMILY  XIV.     ATHERINID.E. 


* 
179 


FIG.  60.    CHIROSTOMA  LUCIUS  Bouienger.  , 

No.  6159  (Chirostoma  crystallinum  }.  &  S.),  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University.      , 

anterior  margin  of  orbit ;  pectoral  i  ^  in  head ;  ventral  2^ ;  base  of  anal 
i^s  in  head;  scales  large,  a  few  at  nape  and  pectoral  region  reduced, 
the  edges  of  all  slightly  crenate;  scales  between  dorsal  fins  very  large; 
gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  27  on  first  gill  arch. 

Color  light  silvery,  translucent;  a  dark  lateral  silvery  band;  scales 
on  upper  part  of  body  with  few  dark  dots.  Length  about  10  inches. 

Known  at  present  only  from  Lago  de  Chapala  and  its  environs. 

168.  Chirostoma  lermae  Jordan  £  Snyder. 

Chirostoma  lermaz  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900, 
142,  fig.  19;  Lago  de  Chapala:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3163:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65, 
1902,  1 1 6;  La  Palma;  Ocotlan. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  61 .    CHIROSTOMA  LERMXE  Jordan  &  snyder. 

No.  6159,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  3 y%  ;  depth  5  ^ ;  D .  i v  or  v-i  o  to  1 2 ;  A.  19  to  22;  scales  1 8-5 6 . 
Body  elongate,  slender,  not  much  compressed;  snout  long  and  pointed; 
mouth  large,  the  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  mandible  2^  in  head; 
teeth  large  and  strong,  in  definite  rows :  the  larger  teeth  on  the  inner 
row  of  the  upper  jaw  and  the  outer  row  of  the  lower;  origin  of  dorsal 
fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  fin  and  eye;  pectoral  i^  in  head; 
ventral  3 ;  scales  with  crenate  edges,  those  in  region  of  nape  and  pec- 
toral fin  much  reduced. 

Color  light  silvery,  a  dark  silvery  lateral  band;  few  punctulations 
on  scales  on  dorsal  region.  Length  about  12  inches. 

This  species  is  easily  recognized  on  account  of  its  strong  dentition. 
Known  only  from  Lago  de  Chapala. 


i8o  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

169.  Chirostoma  ocotlanse  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Chirostoma  ocotlana  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  140,  fig.  18;  Lago  de  Chapala,  Ocotlan:  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann,  Bull.  47,  U  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3163:  Pellegrin,  Bull. 
Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1901,  205;  Estado  de  Jalisco:  Meek, 
Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  116;  Ocotlan;  La  Palma. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma. 


FIG.  62.    CHIROSTOMA  OCOTLAN/E  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

No.  6160,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

Head  3/4',  depth  4%',  D.  v-i2;  A.  20  to  24;  scales  17  to  19-54  to  57. 
Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  head  broad,  profile  with  slight 
angle  at  nape;  mouth  large,  the  lower  jaw  much  projecting;  mandible 
1 1  in  head;  teeth  small,  in  bands  in  both  jaws;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or 
palatines;  eye  4^  to  4^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between 
base  of  caudal  and  anterior  margin  of  the  eye ;  pectorals  i  %  in  head ; 
ventrals  2^;  base  of  anal  fin  iX  m  head;  scales  with  crenate  edges, 
those  on  nape  and  about  base  of  pectoral  fin  much  reduced  in  size; 
gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  about  25  on  first  gill  arch;  vertebrae  44. 

Color  light  silvery,  translucent;  sides  with  a  narrow  dark  silvery 
band;  scales  on  upper  part  of  body  with  few  punctulations.  Length 
about  12  inches. 

This  species  is  easily  recognized  because  of  its  much  projecting 
lower  jaw. 

170.  Chirostoma  estor  Jordan. 

Chirostoma  estor  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  298;  Lago 

de  Chapala:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900, 

141. 
Atherinichthys  albus  Steindachner,  Anzeiger  de  Kais.  Akad.  Wiss. 

Wien,  1894,  148;  Lago  de  Patzcuaro,  Michoacan. 
Lethostole  estor  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1896,   792,  and  1900,  3165. 
Chirostoma  album  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1900,  3165. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Lerma  and  the  Valley  of  Mexico.  (Xochimilco  ) 


FAMILY  XIV.     ATHERINID.E.  181 

Head^f;  depth  5;  D.  v-i2;  A.  18  to  20;  scales  19-75.  Body 
elongate,  compressed;  snout  rather  depressed,  its  length  2^  in  head; 
mouth  large,  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer;  mandible  2|  in  head; 
teeth  in  a  band,  not  close  set,  some  slightly  enlarged,  canine-like; 
occasionally  a  few  canine-like  teeth  on  vomer;  eye  5  to  5^  m  head; 
origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of  caudal  fin  and  nostril; 
pectoral  i%  m  head,  ventral  2^ ;  base  of  anal  fin  if  in  head;  scales 
small,  with  crenate  edges,  those  on  nape  and  breast  much  reduced; 
lateral  line  represented  by  a  few  pores;  gill  rakers  slender,  about  26 
on  first  arch;  vertebrae  23  +  20=43. 

Color  light  brownish,  translucent;  a  dark  silvery  lateral  band; 
individuals  taken  in  lakes  with  much  vegetation  very  dark  with 
anterior  half  of  head  often  black.  Length  about  12  inches. 

Of  the  larger  fishes  of  this  group  this  one  is  the  most  widely  dis- 
tributed. It  is  one  of  the  most  important  market  fish  in  the  regions 
where  found. 

67.     Meiiidia  Bonaparte. 

Menidia  Bonaparte,  Fauna  Italica,  about  1836.  (No  type  indicated, 
Atherina  menidia  Linnaeus  probably  intended.) 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  head  compressed;  belly 
before  ventrals  more  or  less  rounded,  not  compressed  to  an  edge; 
mouth  small,  the  gape. curved,  very  oblique,  the  maxillary  quite  or 
entirely  slipping  under  preorbital;  teeth  in  jaws  in  band  or  in  more 
than  one  series,  none  on  vomer  or  palatines;  premaxillaries  freely 
protractile ;  dorsal  fins  short ;  first  dorsal  over  or  in  front  of  anal  fin ; 
no  scales  on  dorsal  and  anal  fins. 

A  large  group  of  small  fishes  belonging  to  salt  or  brackish  water, 
a  few  species  entering  fresh  water. 

KEY  TO  THE    SPECIES   OF   MENIDIA. 

a.    Anterior  rays  of  soft  dorsal  and  anal  produced, 

longest  anal  rays  equaling  depth  of  body;  pec-  PAGE 

toral  fin  as  long  as  head sallei     181 

aa.  Anterior  rays  of  soft  dorsal  and  anal  scarcely 

produced,  longest  anal  ray  less  than  depth  of 

body;  pectoral  fin  shorter  than  length  of  head lisa     182 

171.  Menidia  sallei   (Regan). 

Atherinichthys  sallei  Regan,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1903,  60; 
Mexico. 

Distribution  not  known. 

Head  5  (in  total);  depth  less  than  length  of  head;  D.  iv-i,  8;  A.  n, 
19;  scales  10-43.  Diameter  of  eye  greater  than  length  of  snout,  2f 


182 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


in  head;  interorbital  width  equaling  postorbital  part  of  head,  2f  in 
length  of  head;  lower  jaw  somewhat  shorter  than  upper;  maxillary 
extending  to  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  eye;  origin  of  spinous 
dorsal  above  that  of  anal ;  anterior  rays  of  soft  dorsal  and  anal  pro- 
duced, longest  anal  rays  equaling  depth  of  body;  pectorals  falcate, 
as  long  as  head;  origin  of  ventrals  midway  between  posterior  oper- 
cular  margin  and  first  anal  ray;  caudal  emarginate. 

A  sharply  defined  silvery  lateral  band  as  broad  as  a  scale.  One 
specimen  75  mm.  in  total  length  from  Mexico  (Regan). 

It  is  quite  probable  that  this  species  is  a  resident  of  salt  water. 

172.  Menidia  lisa  sp.  nov.     LISA. 

Type,  No.  4633,  F.  C.  M.,  2.1  inches  in  length;  Refugio,  Vera 
Cruz. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Papaloapam.     (Refugio;  El  Hule.) 


'i  'v  \  A  \  \  x  \  ^  >  \  ^  ^  ^  ^  Y  v  Y"T  vS  i  vS^v^ 

r^^^^g 


FIG.  63.    MENIDIA  LISA  Meek. 


Head  3^  to  4;  depth  4^  to  5;  D.  iv  or  y-i,  8  or  9;  A.  i,  19  to  21 ; 
scales  about  42.  Body  elongate,  compressed,  belly  rounded;  snout 
pointed,  margin  of  upper  lip  on  level  with  upper  edge  of  pupil;  mouth 
moderate,  very  oblique;  premaxillary  curved,  very  protractile;  teeth 
in  two  series  in  each  jaw,  the  outer  series  the  larger;  snout  very  short, 
3^  m  head;  the  maxillary  reaching  about  vertical  below  pupil; 
eye  large,  2^  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  midway  between  base  of 
caudal  and  anterior  margin  of  eye,  over  or  slightly  behind  origin  of 
anal;  base  of  anal  longer  than  head,  3^  in  body;  pectoral  high,  its 
length  iX  in  head;  ventrals  2  in  head;  scales  thin,  deciduous,  cycloid 
(on  all  specimens  in  our  collection  there  are  scales  on  posterior  half  of 
body,  on  belly,  and  a  band  on  dorsal  region;  as  the  specimens  are  all 
scaled  alike  it  is  probable  a  larger  part  of  the  anterior  part  of  the  body 
is  naked) ;  caudal  fin  forked ;  caudal  peduncle  slender ;  gill  rakers 
slender,  15  on  first  gill  arch;  vertebrae  17+22=39. 

Color  light  silvery;  a  narrow  dark  lateral  stripe;  spinous  dorsal 
profusely  covered  with  black  dots;  iris  silvery.  Length  about  2^ 
inches. 


FAMILY  XIV.     ATHERINID.E. 
68.    Melaniris  Meek. 


183 


Melaniris  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65, 1892, 117.  (Type,  Melaniris 
balsanus  Meek.) 

Body  elongate,  slender;  lower  jaw  rounded;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal 
fin  behind  that  of  the  anal;  caudal  peduncle  short;  peritoneum  black; 
alimentary  canal  shorter  than  total  length  of  the  fish ;  iris  black ;  ver- 
tebrae 17  +  19  =  36. 

173.  Melaniris  balsanus  Meek. 

Melaniris  balsanus  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.   Pub.   65,   1902,   117; 

Balsas. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Balsas;  not  taken  above  the  falls  and  cascades. 


FIG.  64.    MELANIRIS  BALSANUS  Meek. 

No.  3706,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 

Head  4^";  depth  5^;  D.  111-9;  A.  21;  scales  10-39.  Body  elon- 
gate, slender,  not  much  compressed;  snout  rounded  laterally ;  mouth 
small,  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer;  outer  row  of  teeth  large,  canine- 
like,  wide  apart,  behind  these  a  band  of  small  villiform  teeth;  gijl 
rakers  4+13  =  17;  vertebras  17-}- 19  =  36;  scales  large,  with  entire  mar- 
gins; caudal  peduncle  very  short ;',' dorsal  fins  posterior;  origin  of 
spinous  dorsal  considerably  behind  origin  of  anal  fin,  and  midway 
between  base  of  caudal  fin  and  posterior  margin  of  opercle ;  base  of 
anal  %  longer  than  head,  its  rays  varying  from  20  to  23;  dorsal 
spines  2  to  4,  usually  3 ;  pectoral  fin  high  on  sides  of  body,  its  length 
iX  in  head;  ventrals  2^- 

Color  olivaceous,  rather  opaque,  dorsal  region  finely  punctulate 
with  black;  a  well  defined  silvery  band  on  sides.  Length  about  3 
inches. 

This  species  is  very  abundant  in  the  Rio  Cocula  and  the  Rio  Balsas 
at  Balsas,  It  has  not  been  taken  elsewhere.  It  probably  spawns  in 
Mav. 


184  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

69.     Thyriua  Jordan  &  Culver. 

.    Thyrina  Jordan   &   Culver,    Proc.    Cal.    Acad.    Sci.,    1896,    419. 
(Type,  Thyrina  cvermanni  Jordan  &  Culver.) 

Body  elongate,  compressed,  the  abdominal  region  before  ventrals 
compressed  into  a  bluntish  edge  or  keel;  pectoral  fin  falcate,  longer 
than  the  head;  anal  fin  very  long,  its  origin  in  advance  of  spinous 
dorsal;  scales  cycloid. 

To  this  genus  belong  only  the  two  following  species : 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  THYRINA. 

a.    Anal  rays  about  i,  24;  base  of  anal  fin  2%"  in  PAGE 

body ;  pectoral  3  X  in  body ;  ventral  fins  pale  ....  [evermanni]  1 84 

aa.  Anal  rays  about  i ,  21;  base  of  anal  fin  3  in 

body ;  pectoral  4  >^  in  body ;  ventral  fins  black crystalline,  184 

Thyrina  evermanni  Jordan  &  Culver. 

Thyrina  evermanni  Jordan  &  Culver,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1895,  419; 
Mazatlan:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  804. 

Brackish  water  near  Mazatlan. 

Head  4^;  depth  4^  to  5;  D.  iv-i,  7;  A.  i,  23  to  25;  scales  9-36.  Body 
elongate,  much  compressed;  the  belly  sharp-edged,  concave  on  each  side  below 
pectorals,  the  edge  almost  carinate;  back  narrow;  mouth  small,  terminal, 
jaws  curved;  teeth  moderate,  those  in  the  upper  jaw  the  longer;  snout  3!  in 
head;  eye  2%;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  over  about  6th  anal  ray,  midway  be- 
tween base  of  caudal  and  edge  of  preopercle;  pectoral  fin  %  longer  than  head; 
anal  fin  long;  its  base  2^  in  body;  gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  numerous; 
scales  cycloid. 

Color  light  green,  much  dotted  above,  translucent  below;  a  dark  lateral 
stripe;  no  black  on  dorsal  fin.  Length  about  3  inches. 

This  species  known  only  from  the  estuary  at  Mazatlan,  its  type  locality. 

174.  Thyrina  crystallina  (Jordan  &  Culver). 

Atherinella  crystallina  Jordan  &  Culver,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1895, 
420;  Rio  Presidio,  below  Presidio,  Sinaloa. 

Thyrina  crystallina  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1895,  804;  Rio  Presidio,  below  Presidio,  Sinaloa. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Presidio. 

Head  4^;  depth  4^  to  5;  D.  iv-i,  8;  A.  i,  21;  scales  11-40.  Body 
rather  deep,  compressed,  the  belly  sharp-edged;  mouth  small,  ter- 
minal; jaws  curved;  teeth  rather  strong,  the  outer  curved,  those  in  the 
upper  jaw  the  longer;  snout  3X  m  head;  eye  2^;  origin  of  spinous 
dorsal  behind  anal,  midway  between  gill  opening  and  base  of  caudal; 
base  of  anal  one-half  longer  than  head,  3  in  body;  pectoral  |  longer 
than  head;  gill  rakers  numerous,  long  and  slender;  scales  cycloid. 

Color  translucent  green,  with  considerable  dusky  dottings;  a  dark 
silvery  lateral  stripe;  first  dorsal  and  base  of  anal  dusky.  Length 

inches. 

Known  only  from  the  type  locality. 


FAMILY  XV.     MUGILID.E.  185 

Family  XV.     Mugilidse. 

THE  MULLETS. 

Body  oblong,  more  or  less  compressed,  covered  with  rather  large 
cycloid  scales;  no  lateral  line,  but  the  furrows  often  deepened  on  the 
middle  of  each  scale  forming  lateral  streaks;  mouth  small,  the 
jaws  with  small  teeth  or  none;  premaxillaries  protractile;  gill  rakers 
long  and  slender;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth;  two  dorsal  fins  well 
separated,  the  anterior  one  of  4  stiff  spines,  the  last  one  of  which  is 
much  shorter  than  the  others;  air  bladder  large,  simple;  alimentary 
canal  long;  peritoneum  usually  black;  vertebrae  24. 

A  large  family  of  fishes  inhabiting  the  coasts  of  warm  seas,  a  few 
entering  fresh  water. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  MUGILID^. 

a.    Stomach  muscular,  gizzard-like;  front  of  low- 
er jaw  angular Mugil 

aa.  Stomach  not  gizzard-like;  front  of  lower  jaw 

not  angular. 

b.  Teeth  small,  conical,  in  villiform  bands  on 
jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ;  mouth  with  lateral 
cleft,  not  overhung  by  the  blunt  tumid  snout. 

c.    Anal  spines  2 Agonostomus     186 

cc.  Anal  spine  single .  .Neomugil     187 

bb.  Teeth  coarse,  broad,  truncate,  incisors  with 
their  free  edges  serrate;  smaller  teeth  on 
vomer,  none  on  palatines;  mouth  small,  in- 
ferior; lower  jaw  forming  a  sharp  soft  edge .......  .Joturus  188 

Subfamily  Mugllinae. 
7O.     3Iugil  (Artedi)  Linnaeus. 

Mugil  (Artedi)  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  x,  3161,  758.  (Type,  Mugil 
cephalus  Linnaeus.) 

Body  oblong,  somewhat  compressed,  covered  with  large  scales; 
head  large,  convex,  scales  above  and  on  sides;  mouth  small,  subin- 
ferior,  the  lower  jaw  aiigulate;  jaws  with  one  or  a  few  series  of  short, 
flexible,  ciliform  teeth;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or  palatines;  eye  large,  with 
an  adipose  eyelid  little  developed  in  the  young;  stomach  muscular, 
like  the  gizzard  of  a  fowl. 

The  species  of  this  group  run  in  large  schools  along  the  shores  and 
in  brackish  lagoons  of  all  warm  regions.  They  feed  on  organic  matter 
contained  in  the  mud. 


i86  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

175.  Mil. nil  cephalus  Linnaeus. 

Mugil  cephalus  Linnaeus,  Sys.  Nat.,  Ed.  x,  316,   1758;  Europe: 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  811. 
•  Tropical  and  temperate  seas  of  America,  southern  Europe,  and 
northern  Africa.     (Tehuantepec.) 

Head  3$;  depth  3$;  D.  iv-i,  8;  A.  in,  8;  scales  12-40.  Body 
elongate,  compressed;  head  broad,  depressed;  interorbital  slightly 
convex,  its  width  2\  in  head;  mouth  terminal,  oblique;  jaws  about 
equal;  teeth  minute;  snout  rounded  laterally;  adipose  eyelid  well 
developed;  diameter  of  eye  about  4  in  head;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal 
midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal;  about  20  scales  in  a 
series  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  spinous  dorsal;  first  dorsal  spine 
1 2^  in  head;  pectoral  fin  nearly  reaching  front  of  dorsal,  if  in  head; 
ventrals  reaching  half  way  to  anal  fin,  i^  in  head;  caudal  forked; 
least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2>£  in  head. 

Color  bluish  brown  above,  silvery  below;  dark  stripes  along  the 
rows  of  scales,  most  prominent  on  the  middle  of  the  sides;  fins  more  or 
less  dusky,  with  a  yellowish  tinge  on  the  ventrals,  anal,  and  caudal;  a 
black  bar  at  base  of  pectorals;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  fins  naked. 

A  salt-water  fish  which  ascends  rivers  to  a  considerable  distance 
above  tide-water.  One  specimen  5  inches  in  length  was  taken  by  me 
at  Tehuantepec. 

Subfamily  Agonostominse. 
71.     Agonostomus  Bennet. 
Agonostomus  Bennet,  Proc.  Comm.  Zool.  Soc.,  1830,  166.     (Type, 

Agonostomus  telfairii  Bennet.) 
Dajaus  Cuv.  &  Val.,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  xi,  164,  1836.    (Type,  Mugil 

monticola  Bancroft.) 

Body  elongate,  compressed  posteriorly;  mouth  with  lateral  cleft 
extending  to  opposite  anterior  margin  of  eye;  snout  bluntish,  lower 
jaw  the  shorter,  included;  edge  of  lower  lip  rounded,  not  sharp  as  in 
Mugil;  stomach  not  gizzard-like ;  anal  spines  2 ,  the  first  soft  ray  slender 
and  spine-like;  villiform  teeth  on  jaws,  vomer,  and  palatines  in  Amer- 
ican species.  A  small  group  of  fishes  inhabiting  streams  of  mountain- 
ous regions  in  tropical  countries. 

Submenus  Dajaus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

176.  Agonostomus  monticola   (Bancroft).     TRUCHA. 

Mugil  monticola  Bancroft,  Griff.  Anim.  King.  Fishes,  367,  pi.  36, 

1836. 
Agonostoma  monticola  Giinther,  Cat.,  in,  464,  1861 ;  Mexico:  B.  A. 

Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  540;  Santa  Maria. 


FAMILY  XV.     MUGILID^;.  187 

Agonostomus  monticola  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1896,  819. 

Agonostoma  nasutum  Gunther,  Cat.,  in,  463,  1861;  Rio  Geronimo. 
Agonostomus  nasutus  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1895,  424;.  Rio 
Presidio,  Sinaloa:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  819:  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1896,.  263;  San 
Jose  del  Cabo,  Lower  California:  Evermann,  Proc.  Biol.  Soc. 
Wash.,  1898,  2;  Ixtapa  (12  miles  above  the  Bay  of  Banderas); 
Maria  Magdalena  Island,  2,500  feet  above  tide-water;  Maria 
Cleofa  Island,  off  Jalisco:  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris, 
1901,  205;  river  below  Lago  de  Chapala,  Estado  de  Jalisco: 
Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  118;  Balsas;  Puente  de 
Ixtla;  Cuicatlan. 

Fresh  waters  of  the  West  Indies  and  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific 
streams  of  Mexico  and  Central  America.  (Cuautla;  Jojutla,  Vera 
Cruz;  Otopa;  Motzorongo.) 

Head  3|to  4^;  depth  4^  to  4X1  D.  iv-i,  8;  A.  11,  9;  scales  12-42. 
Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed;  head  rather  conical,  somewhat 
decurved  in  specimens  9  or  more  inches  in  length;  interorbital  convex, 
its  width  2f^in  head;  snout  blunt  in  large  examples,  more  pointed  in 
the  young;  lips  very  thick  in  adults,  thin  in  young  specimens  2  to  4 
inches  long;  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  front  of  eye,  entirely 
hidden  when  the  mouth  is  closed;  diameter  of  eye  about  equal  to 
length  of  snout,  4  in  head;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  nearer  tip  of  snout 
than  base  of  caudal ;  tip  of  pectoral  reaching  nearly  to  spinous  dorsal ; 
soft  dorsal  over  the  last  ^  of  the  anal  fin,  without  scales;  anal  spines 
weak;  pectorals  inserted  above  the  axis  of  the  body. 

Color  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  each  scale  with  a  darker  mar- 
gin; a  silvery  band  from  base  of  pectoral  to  caudal  fin;  very  conspic- 
uous on  fishes  in  the  water;  back  and  sides  with  many  black  or  dark 
colored  scales  scattered  about,  making  irregular  spots;  these  most 
abundant  on  small  specimens  from  Vera  Cruz,  and  least  so  on  speci- 
mens from  Jojutla. 

There  seems  to  be  but  little  difference  in  the  descriptions  of  A. 
monticola  and  of  A .  nasutus;  the  difference  is  mainly  in  the  thick  and 
thin  lips,  a  character  much  modified  by  age.  In  this  paper  I  regard 
the  specimens  from  western  Mexico  ascribed  to  A.  nasutus  as  being 
the  adult  of  the  present  species. 

72.     Neomugil  Vaillant. 

Neomugil  Vaillant,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.,  iv,  1893-4,  72.   (Type,  Neo- 
mugil  digueti  Vaillant.) 


i88  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed;  mouth  widely  cleft;  maxil- 
lary extending  beyond  anterior  edge  of  orbit;  small  teeth  in  many 
series  in  each  jaw,  the  outer  series  on  intermaxillary  most  developed; 
teeth  on  vomer  and  palatines;  stomach  siphonal;  walls  very  thin  in 
pyloric  region;  one  large  and  one  small  pyloric  ccecum;  pseudo- 
branchiae  .present. 

177.  Neomugil  digueti  Vaillant. 

Neomugil  digueti  Vaillant,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.,  iv,  1894,  73;  torrent 
in  the  Sierra  de  las  Cacachilas  de  Santa  Cruz,  Lower  California : 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3165. 

An  inhabitant  of  mountain  streams  of  Lower  California  south  of  La 
Paz. 

Head  3;  depth  4;  D.  iv-i,  8;  A.  i,  9;  scales  3-43-11.  Body  elon- 
gate, not  much  compressed;  interorbital  2^  in  head;  eye  6  in  head; 
entire  head  covered  with  ctenoid  scales;  mouth  deeply  cleft;  upper 
jaw  the  longer;  no  adipose  eyelid;  origin  of  first  dorsal  at  middle  of  the 
body;  origin  of  anal  in  advance  of  soft  dorsal.  Length  about  8  inches. 
(Vaillant.) 

73.     Joturus  Poey. 
THE  BOBOS. 

Joturus  Poey,  Memorias,  n,  263,  1861.  (Type,  Joturus  pichardi 
Poey.) 

Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed;  head  large,  snout  blunt  and 
projecting  beyond  the  small,  inferior  mouth;  mouth  broad,  with  little 
lateral  cleft;  lower  lip  very  thick,  its  edges  forming  a  soft  sharp-edged 
fold,  its  outline  very  obtuse;  teeth  coarse,  blunt  incisors,  with  serrated 
edges,  arranged  in  broad  patches  on  jaws  and  vomer. 

178.  Joturus  pichardi  Poey.     BOBO. 

Joturus  pichardi  Poey,  Mem.  n,  263,  1861,  Cuba. 

Agonostoma  globiceps  Gtinther,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  1874,  370; 
Misantla,  Vera  Cruz:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  821. 

Fresh-water  streams  of  Cuba,  and  southern  Mexico  to  Panama,  in 
swift  currents  and  mountain  torrents. 

Head  4^ ;  depth  3$ ;  D.  iv-ig;  A.  in,  9;  scales  13  or  14,  42  to  45. 
Body  elongate,  rather  robust,  a  little  compressed  behind;  head  large, 
gibbous  above  and  anteriorly;  snout  thick,  broad,  and  blunt,  consid- 
erably overhanging  the  small  inferior  mouth,  and  entirely  below  the 
level  of  the  eye;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  the  eye,  2% 
in  head;  mouth  broad,  but  without  much  lateral  cleft;  lower  jaw  in- 


FAM.  XV.    MuoiLiDjE.        FAM.  XVI.    CENTRARCHID^E.       189 

eluded;  upper  lip  thick,  slipping  beneath  the  snout;  lower  lip  very 
thick,  its  anterior  edge  forming  a  sharp-edged  fold ;  outline  of  lip  very 
obtuse;  no  teeth  in  the  palatines;  nostrils  roundish,  close  together,  in 
front  of  the  small  round  eye;  eye  nearer  the  angle  of  the  mouth  than 
level  of  top  of  head;  no  adipose  eyelid ;  all  of  the  fins,  including  spinous 
dorsal,  covered  with  small  scales;  gill  membranes  broadly  united,  free 
from  the  isthmus;  caudal  forked. 

Color  dull  olivaceous  above,  without  distinqt  markings,  paler 
below.  Length  about  2  feet. 

Family  XVI.     Centrarchidse. 

THE  SUNFISHES. 

Body  more  or  less  shortened,  compressed;  head  compressed;  mouth 
terminal,  large  or  small;  teeth  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer  slightly 
enlarged;  no  canines;  teeth  present  on  premaxillaries,  lower  jaw  and 
vomer,  usually  on  palatines,  also  sometimes  on  tongue,  pterygoids  and 
hyoid ;  premaxillaries  protractile ;  preopercle  entire  or  slightly  serrate ; 
opercle  ending  in  two  flat  points  or  prolonged  in  a  black  flap  at  its 
angle;  gill  membranes  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus;  cheeks  and 
opercles  scaly ;  ventral  fin  with  one  spine  and  5  soft  rays ;  dorsal  spines 
6  to  13;  anal  spines  3  to  9;  vertebrae  28  to  35.  Fresh-water  fishes  of 
North  America.  All  are  voracious  and  gamy  and  are  good  food 
fishes.  A  few  species  are  found  in  northern  Mexico,  the  most  south- 
ern range  for  the  family. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA*  OF  CENTRARCHID^E. 

a.    Body  comparatively  short  and  deep,  the  depth  PAGE 

usually  more  than  f  of  the  length ;    dorsal  fin 
not  deeply  emarginate. 

b.  Lower  pharyngeals  narrow,  the  width  in  the 
length  of  toothed  portion  about  3  in  adults; 
lateral  margin  straight  or  slightly  inbent  from 
tip  of  posterior  spur  to  anterior  extremity  of 
bone;  teeth  on  lower  pharyngeals  long  and 
slender  and  more  or  less  acuminate ;  no  red  on 

margin  of  opercular  flap Lepidopomus     1 90 

bb.  Lower  pharyngeals  broad,  the  width  in  the 
length  of  toothed  portion  about  2  in  adults; 
outer  margin  a  double  curve,  moderately  in- 

*For  an  account  of  the  genera  Lepidopomus  and  Eupomotis,  see  R.  E. 
Richardson  in  Bull.  111.  Lab.  of  Nat.  Hist.,  vol.  vn,  article  in,  pages  27  to  35. 
The  characterization  of  these  two  genera  and  the  keys  relating  to  them  and 
their  species  are  largely  taken  from  that  paper. 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

bent  posteriorly  in  front  of  spur,  and  more  PAGE 

or  less  decidedly  rounded  anteriorly  as  the 
margin  of  a  lateral  ledge-like  prominence; 
a  red  spot  on  lower  posterior  margin  of 

opercular  flap Eupomotis     193 

aa.  Body  comparatively  elongate,  the  depth  in  the 
adult  about  X  of  the  length ;  dorsal  fin  low  and 
deeply  emarginate Micropterus  194 

Subfamily  Liepidopominae. 
74.     Lepidopomus  Rafinesque. 

Lepomis  Rafmesque,  Journ.  de  Physique,  Paris,  1819,  402.  (Type, 
Labrus  auritus  Linnaeus.) 

Apomotis  Rafmesque,  Journ.  de  Physique,  Paris,  420,  1819 
(Lepomis  cyanellus  Ra fines  que). 

Body  variously  elongate,  elliptical,  or  short  and  deep,  most  of  the 
species  being  rather  robust,  the  others  thin  and  compressed;  mouth 
usually  rather  -large;  supplemental  maxillary  bone  well  devel- 
oped, rudimentary  or  wanting,  best  developed  in  species  with  largest 
mouth;  teeth  on  palatines  usually  present;  lower  pharyngeals  narrow 
and  weak,  flattened  or  hollowed  out  underneath,  its  width  in  length 
of  toothed  portion  about  3.  in  adults;  inner  angle  120°  to  140°,  outer 
margin  straight  or  slightly  inbent  from  tip  of  posterior  spur  to  an- 
terior extremity  of  bone;  pharyngeal  teeth  always  long  and  slender 
and  more  or  less  acuminate;  brilliant  colors  on  posterior  margin  of 
opercular  flap,  if  present,  always  blending  with  the  adjacent  paler 
or  darker  color  and  not  forming  a  definitely  localized  spot  as  in  Eupo- 
motis; gill  rakers  well  developed,  long,  stiff,  and  rough  to  rather  slen- 
der, or  very  soft  and  weak ;  pectorals  not  longer  than  head ;  dorsal 
spines  usually  low. 

This  genus  is  represented  in  the  waters  of  North  America  by  about 
twelve  species. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  THE  GENUS  LEP1DOPOMUS. 

a.  Opercle  more  or  less  stiffened  posteriorly,  its 
osseous  portion  always  distinctly  differen- 
tiated from  a  posterior  fleshy  or  membranous 
margin,  partly  or  wholly  of  paler  color  than 
the  osseous  portion,  to  which  the  black  of 
the  opercular  spot  is  entirely  or  for  the  most 
part  confined;  a  well  developed  supplemental 


FAMILY  XVI.     CENTRARCHID.E.  191 

maxillary  bone ;   body  oblong,  depth  2 £  to  .2^"  PAGE 

in  length;  scales  small,  42  to  50  in  lateral  series  .  .  .  cyanellus  191 
aa.  Opercle  not  composed  of  well  differentiated 
osseous  and  membranous  portions,  the  bone 
becoming  gradually  thinner  posteriorly  and  ter- 
minating in  a  flexible  osseo-membranous  flap; 
flap  usually  considerably  produced  in  adults, 
sometimes  exceedingly  so,  and  entirely  black, 
or  with  only  a  very  narrow  pale  edging;  sup- 
plementary maxillary  bone  very  rudimentary 
or  entirely  wanting. 

b.  Dorsal  spines  low,  the  longest  but  slightly 
more  than  length  of  snout;  gill  rakers  short 
and  weak;  body  very  robust  anteriorly; 
head  large ;  wavy  blue  lines  on  cheeks  faint  or 

absent occidentals     192 

bb.  Dorsal  spines  higher,  the  largest  almost  equal- 
ing or  greater  than  snout  and  eye ;  gill  rakers 
rather  slender  and  firm, 
d.    Eye  large,  2^  to  3  in  head;  no  dusky  spot 

on  posterior  dorsal  or  anal  rays haplognathus     192 

dd.  Eye  smaller,  3 K  to  4  in  head;  dorsal  and 
anal  not  large,  blotch  of  dusky  near  base  of 
last  rays pallidus  193 

Subgenus  Apomotis  Rafinesque. 
179.  Lepidopomus   cyanellus    Rafinesque.     BLUE-SPOTTED  SUNFISH; 

GREEN  SUNFISH/ 

Lepomis  cyanellus  Rafinesque,  Jour,  de  Physique,  1819,  420;  Ohio 
River:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898, 
996. 

Pomotis  aquilensis  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  7,  pi.  in,  1-8,   1858; 
Eagle  Pass,  Texas:  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
1853,  388;  Eagle  Pass. 
Apomotis  cyanellus  Jordan,  Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Sur.,  1878,  398;  Rio 

Grande  at  Brownsville,  Texas. 
Northeastern  Mexico  to  the  Great  Lakes. 

Head  3;  depth  2^;  D.  x,  n;  A.  in,  9;  scales  6  or  7-42  to  50—16. 
Body  rather  elongate,  becoming  deeper  with  age;  head  moderately 
large ;  mouth  large ;  maxillary  nearly  reaching  vertical  from  middle  of 
eye,  broad,  with  a  well  developed  supplemental  bone;  lower  jaw  the 
longer;  opercle  more  or  less  stiffened  posteriorly,  its  black  osseous 
portion  always  distinctly  differentiated  from  the  posterior  fleshy,  or 


192  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

usually  paler  colored  membranous  margin;  dorsal  spines  low,  the 
longest  3  to  4  in  head;  pectorals  short,  not  reaching  anal,  \y*  in  head; 
ventrals  not  reaching  anal. 

Color  greenish  with  brassy  luster  on  sides;  each  scale  with  a  blue 
spot,  these  forming  pale  lateral  streaks;  a  conspicuous  dark  spot  on 
posterior  base  of  dorsal  and  anal;  cheeks  with  narrow  blue  stripes. 
Length  about  7  inches. 

A  very  variable  and  widely  distributed  species;  ranging  from 
Mexico  to  the  Great  Lakes;  not  found  east  of  the  Alleghenies. 

Subgenus  Lepidopomus  Rafinesque. 

180.  Lepidopomus  occidentalis  Meek.     WESTERN  SUNFISH. 
Lepomis  occidentalis  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  118; 

Jimenez;  Santa  Rosalia. 

Rio  Conchos  and  its  tributaries  in  Chihuahua. 

Head  2^;  depth  2;  D.  x,  n;  A.  in,  9;  scales  7-37-14.  Body  oval, 
compressed,  the  dorsal  outline  more  arched  than  the  ventral;  profile 
convex,  nearly  straight  in  small  specimens,  in  larger  concave  above 
eyes  and  convex  at  nape;  mouth  moderate,  the  maxillary  reaching 
vertical  from  pupil,  its  length  3  in  head;  no  supplemental  maxillary 
bone;  lower  jaw  slightly  the  longer;  eye  small,  4^  in  head;  i^  in 
interorbital  space;  opercle  not  composed  of  well  differentiated 
osseous  and  membranous  portions,  the  bone  becoming  gradually 
thinner  posterior  and  terminating  in  a  flexible  osseo-membranous  flap ; 
flap  usually  very  long;  gill  rakers  short,  8  on  lower  part  of  arch; 
dorsal  fin  rather  low,  its  fourth  spine  3^  in  head;  pectoral  short, 
rounded,  not  extending  to  anal;  caudal  fin  very  short,  its  lobes  rounded 
and  of  equal  size,  its  length  1%^  in  head. 

Color  olivaceous  above,  lighter  below,  each  scale  with  a  light  mar- 
gin, forming  longitudinal  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales;  no  black  mark- 
ings on  the  fins;  no  blue  lines  on  the  cheeks,  a  few  dusky  brown  ones 
being  present;  opercular  flap  with  a  narrow  pale  border.  Length 
about  6  inches.' 

This  species  ranges  farther  southwest  than  any  other  member 
of  the  sunfish  family.  Lepidopomus  haplognathus  and  Micropterus 
salmonoides,  which  occur  farther  east,  range  a  little  farther  south. 
Spawning  time  the  last  of  July. 

181.  Lepidopomus  haplognathus  Cope. 

Lepomis  haplognathus  Cope,  Proc.  Amer.  Philos.  Soc.,  1884  (1885), 
168;  Monterey,  Neuvo  Leon:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  1004. 

Tributaries  of  the  Rio  Grande  near  Monterey,  Nuevo  Leon. 
(Monterey.) 


FAMILY  XVI.     CENTRARCHID^.  193 

Head  2^  to  3;  depth  2>£;  D.  x,  10;  A.  in,  9;  scales  7-38-13.  Body 
elongate,  compressed;  profile  convex;  head  large;  mouth  moderate; 
maxillary  reaching  past  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  its 
length  3^3  in  head;  no  supplemental  maxillary;  snout  short,  3^  to  4 
in  head;  eye  very  large,  2^  to  3  in  head;  gill  rakers  rather  strong, 
short,  about  8  in  lower  part  of  angle;  opercular  flap  moderate,  without 
pale  margin;  pectoral  fin  short,  not  reaching  first  anal  spine,  its 
length  iJ/3  in  head;  ventral  i^;  dorsal  spines  moderate,  longest  2^ 
in  head. 

Color  uniform  greenish,  the  center  of  each  scale  darker;  no  mark- 
ings on  fins ;  a  few  bluish  bands  on  cheeks.  Length  about  6  inches. 

This  species  at  present  is  known  only  from  Monterey,  its  type 
locality.  Four  specimens  were  taken  by  me  in  a  spring  in  Monterey. 

182.  Lepidopomis  pallidus  (Mitchill).     BLUE  GILL;    BLUE  SUNFISH. 
Labrus  pallidus  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  1815,  407; 

New  York. 

Pomotis  speciosus  Girard,  Pac.  R.  R.  Sur.,  23,  1858;  Brownsville, 
Texas;  Cadereita,  Nuevo  Leon:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  5, 
pi.  iv,  figs.  5-8,  1859;  Cadereita,  Nuevo  Leon. 

Lepomis  pallidus  Jordan,  Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Sur.,  1878,  397;  Rio 
Grande,  Brownsville,  Texas:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  1005. 

Eupomotis  pallidus  Boulenger,  Cat.,  i,  1896,  9. 
Rio  Grande  to  Florida  and  the  Great  Lakes. 

Head  2^  to  3^;  depth  if  to  21/,;  D.  x,  n  or  12;  A.  in,  10  or  n; 
Body  comparatively  short  and  deep,  compressed  (the  young  more 
slender  than  the  elder);  head  moderate,  profile  usually  forming  an 
angle  above  eye;  mouth  small,  the  jaws  subequal,  the  maxillary 
scarcely  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the  eye;  opercular 
flap  rather  short,  and  without  pale  edge;  gill  rakers  moderate,  n  to  13 
on  lower  portion  of  gill  arch;  dorsal  spines  high,  the  longest  2  in 
head,  and  usually  longer  than  snout  and  eye ;  pectoral  fin  about  as  long 
as  head,  its  tip  reaching  past  origin  of  anal. 

Color  greenish  olive;  sides  often  with  chain-like  transverse  green- 
ish bars,  which  disappear  in  adult;  no  blue  stripes  on  cheeks;  a  dark 
blotch  on  base  of  posterior  rays  of  dorsal  and  anal  fins ;  opercular  flap 
without  pale  edge.  Length  about  12  inches. 

75.     Eupomotis  Gill  &  Jordan. 

Eupomotis  Gill  &  Jordan,  Field    and    Forest,  1877,  190.     (Type, 

Spar  us  aureus  Walbaum.) 

Body  deep,  more •  or  less  compressed,  the  back  elevated;  mouth 
rather  small;  no  supplemental  maxillary  bone  and  no  teeth  on  pala- 


194  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

tines;  gill  rakers  always  short  .sometimes  very  much  reduced;  pectoral 
fins  always  longer  than  head,  sometimes  extending  past  middle  of  anal ; 
dorsal  spines  rather  high;  lower  pharyngeal  deep  and  broad,  with 
inferior  and  lateral  prominences,  never  flattened  or  hollowed  under- 
neath, width  in  length  of  toothed  portion  about  2  in  adults,  inner 
angle  95°  to  111°,  outer  margin  a  double  curve,  moderately  inbent 
posteriorly  in  front  of  spur,  and  more  or  less  decidedly  rounded 
anteriorly  as  the  margin  of  a  lateral  ledge-like  prominence;  teeth  on 
lower  pharyngeals  short  and  heavy,  their  upper  surfaces  very  bluntly 
rounded  or  paved ;  red  or  orange  on  posterior  portion  of  opercular  flap 
definitely  marked  off  from  the  paler  or  blackish  portions  adjacent, 
and  not  blended  with  them  as  in  the  preceding  genus. 

183.  Eupomotis  heros   (Baird  &  Girard). 

Pomotis  heros  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1854, 
25;  Rio  Cibolo,  Texas:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  6,  pi.  n,  figs. 
1-4,  1859;  Rio  San  Juan,  Cadereita,  Nuevo  Leon. 

Eupomotis  heros  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  1007:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  47,  1900,  13. 

Northeastern  Mexico  in  lowland  streams,  north  to  southern  Illinois. 

Head  2-f-;  depth  2\;  D.  x,  12;  A.  in,  10;  scales  6-40-13.  Body 
moderately  elongate,  compressed;  anterior  profile  slightly  concave 
about  eyes,  slightly  convex  at  nape;  head  rather  small;  mouth  small, 
maxillary  scarcely  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the  pupil, 
its  length  equaling  length  of  snout,  3^  m  head;  diameter  of  eye  4  in 
head;  opercular  flap  short,  in  life  a  red  spot  at  its  lower  posterior  angle, 
the  margin  pale;  dorsal  spines  strong,  the  last  one  2%  in  head;  pec- 
toral fin  very  long,  its  tip  reaching  base  of  second  anal  ray,  the  fin 
slightly  longer  than  the  head;  ventral  short,  iK  in  head;  5  rows  of 
scales  on  the  cheeks;  caudal  fin  emarginate. 

Color  light  olivaceous  with  silvery  reflections,  some  of  the  scales 
with  darker  centers  forming  indistinct  lateral  streaks  along  the  rows 
of  scales;  cheeks  without  blue  stripes.  Length  about  12  inches. 

Subfamily  Micropterinae. 

76.     Micropterus  Lace"pede. 

BLACK  BASS. 

Micropterus  Lace"pede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  iv,  325,  1802.  (Type, 
Micropterus  dolomieu  Lace"pede.) 

Body  oblong,  compressed,  the  back  not  much  arched;  head  ob- 
long, conic;  mouth  very  large,  its  gape  extending  to  near  vertical  from 
posterior  margin  of  eye ;  teeth  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ;  preopercle 


FAMILY  XVI.     CENTRARCHID.E.  195 

entire;  dorsal  fin  divided  by  a  deep  notch,  the  spines  low  and  not  very 
strong;  scales  small,  ctenoid. 

This  genus  includes  two  species  found  only  in  North  America, 
both  being  among  the  best  of  our  game  fishes.  One  species  only  is 
found  in  Mexico.  , 

184.  Micropterus  salmonoides  (Lacepede).  LARGE -MOUTHED  BLACK 
BASS;  BESUGO. 

Labrus  salmoides  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  in,  716,  1802;  South 
Carolina.  • 

Dioplites  nucensis  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  3,  pi.  i,  1859;  San  Juan 
River,  Nuevo  Leon. 

Grystes  nuecensis  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
1854,  25;  Rio  San  Juan,  Nuevo  Leon. 

Micropterus  salmonoides   Boulenger,  Cat.,  i,  16,  1896. 

Micropterus  salmoides  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  1012. 

Mexico  from  Tampico  to  Florida  and  north  to  the  Great  Lakes 
and  Red  River  of  the  north.  (San  Juan;  Montemorelos ;  Linares;  La 
Cruz;  Santa  Engracia.) 

Head  3  to  i,l/Z\  depth  3  to  3X1  D.  x, 12  or  13;  A.  in,  10  or  n  ;  scales 
7-65  to  70-18.  Body  ovate-fusiform,  moderately  compressed;  head 
large;  mouth  large,  the  maxillary  broad  and  with  a  well  developed 
supplemental  bone,  its  tip  reaching  vertical  from  posterior  margin  of 
eye;  gill  rakers  longer  than  gill  fringes,  7  or  8  on  lower  portion  of  gill 
arch ;  scales  on  cheeks  in  about  10  rows. 

Color  dark  green  above,  below  greenish  silvery;  a  black  lateral 
band  which  disappears  in  the  adult;  3  dark  oblique  stripes  across 
cheeks  and  opercles;  a  few  dark  spots  above  and  below  the  lateral 
band  which  breaks  up  and  grows  fainter  as  the  fish  grows  older. 
Length  about  18  inches. 

This  species  prefers  bayous,  lakes,  and  sluggish  water.  It  is  not 
regarded  as  good  a  game  fish  as  the  small-mouthed  black  bass,  which 
prefers  rapid  and  cooler  waters.  The  angler  often  finds  considerable 
difficulty  in  distinguishing  these  species,  because  of  the  slight  differ- 
ences between  them,  and  he  usually  finds  less  difference  in  their 
fighting  qualities. 

This  species  is  abundant  in  the  streams  of  Mexico  north  of  Santa 
Engracia.  I  saw  many  specimens  over  a  foot  in  length  here  and  in 
the  river  at  La  Cruz.  So  far  as  known  the  river  at  Santa  Engracia  is 
its  southernmost  range. 


196  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Family  XVII.     Percidse. 
THE  PERCHES. 

Body  more  or  less  elongate,  terete,  or  moderately  compressed; 
mouth  terminal  or  inferior,  small  or  large;  the  premaxillaries  pro- 
tractile; teeth  usually  villi^orm,  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines  (occa- 
sionally they  are  absent  on  vomer  and  palatines) ;  scales  usually  small, 
ctenoid ;  opercle  usually  ending  in  a  flat  spine ;  branchiostegals  6  or  7 ; 
gill  membranes  free  or  connected;  lateral  line  usually  present,  never 
extending  on  the  caudal  fin ;  dorsal  fins  2 ,  the  first  composed  of  6  to  15 
spines;  ventral  fins  thoracic,  each  with  one  spine  and  5  soft  rays; 
caudal  fin  truncate,  lunate,  or  rounded. 

Subfamily  Ethostomatinae. 
77.     Etheostoma  Rafmesque. 

Etheostoma   Rafinesque,  Journ.  de   Phys.   etc.,  Paris,    1819,   419. 

(Type  restricted  by  Cope  &  Jordan  to  Etheostoma  flabellare  P_af.) 

Oligocephalus    Girard,    Proc.    Acad.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1859,    67. 

(Type,  Boleosoma  lepida  Baird  &  Girard.) 
Torrentaria  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1896, 

1080.    (Type,  Etheostoma  australe  Jordan.) 
Rafinesquiellus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

1896,  1082.    (Type,  Aplesion  pottsii  Girard.) 

Body  robust  or  rather  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  mouth 
terminal  or  subinferior;  premaxillaries  not  protractile;  teeth  rather 
strong,  usually  present  on  vomer  and  palatines;  gill  membranes 
separate,  or  more  or  less  broadly  connected;  scales  moderate  or  small, 
ctenoid;  no  scales  on  top  of  head;  scales  on  belly  persistent,  of  the 
ordinary  sort ;  dorsal  spines  7  to  15;  anal  spines  i  or  2 ;  vertebrae  us- 
ually 33  to  39. 

The  darters  comprise  a  large  group  of  small,  highly  colored  fishes 
inhabiting  the  streams  of  North  America  east  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains; one  species,  Etheostoma  pottsii,  occurs  in  a  Pacific  coast  stream. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  ETHEOSTOMA. 
a.    Anal  spine  single;  gill  membranes  connected;  PAGE 

scales  in  the  lateral  series  58  to  66 australe     197 

aa.  Anal  fin  with  two  spines;  gill  membranes  not 

connected, 
b.     Head  rather  large,  3^  to  3%  in  the  body; 

scales  in  the  lateral  series  44  to  50 pottsii     197 

bb.  Head  smaller,  4%  in  the  body;  scales  in  the 

lateral  series  48  to  54 lepidum     198 


FAMILY  XVII.     PERCID^E.  19? 

Subgenus  Torrentaria  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

185.  Etheostoma  australe  (Jordan). 

Aplesion  fasciatus  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  101 

(not  Catonotus  fasciatus  Girard);  Chihuahua  River,  Mexico. 
Etheostoma  australe  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  362;  Chi- 
huahua   River,  Mexico:  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish    Comm., 
1894,  60;    Chihuahua:    Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47.  u-  s- 
Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  1080:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,   1902, 
119;  San  Andres;  Santa  Rosalia;  Chihuahua;  Jimenez. 
Etheostoma  scovelii  Woolman,  Amer.  Nat.,  1892,  261;  Rio  de  los 

Conchos,  Chihuahua,  Mexico. 
Headwaters  of  the  Rio  Conchos  in  Chihuahua. 
Head  3>^  to  32< ;  depth  4^  to  4^ ;  D.  x  to  xn,  9  to  1 1 ;  A.  i,  7  or 
8;  scales   6-58  to    66-n.      Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed; 
mouth  small,  the  lower  jaw -the  shorter;  maxillary  reaching  front  of 
pupil;  eye  small,  3^  in  head;  snout  bluntish,  4  in  head;  premaxillary 
not  protractile;  gill  membranes  moderately  connected,  free  from  the 
isthmus;  pectorals  large,  nearly  as  long  as  head;  ventrals  close  to- 
gether, \yz  in  head;  head,  breast  and  nape  naked;  lateral  line  incom- 
plete. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  sides  with  about  10  dusky  cross-bars,  these 
more  prominent  in  the  males;  the  pale  interspaces  red  in  life;  the 
dusky  bars  alternate  with. the  pale  blotches  on  the  sides;  soft  dorsal 
and  anal  with  dark  cross-bars ;  spinous  dorsal  with  a  dark  base  and 
dark  tips,  otherwise  pale;  a  dark  bar  downward  and  one  forward  from 
the  eye.  Length  about  2><  inches.  Spawning  time  the  latter  part 
of  May  and  in  June. 

Subgenus  Eafinesquiellus  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

186.  Etheostoma  pottsii   (Girard). 

Aplesion  pottsii  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1888,  289; 

tributary  of  the  Rio  Chihuahua. 

Etheostoma  micropterus  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1888,  289; 
Chihuahua,  Mexico:  Woolman,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1894, 
60;  Rio  Chihuahua,  Chihuahua. 

Etheostoma  pottsii  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  1083;  Chihuahua:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902, 
119;  San  Andres;  Chihuahua;  Santa  Rosalia;  Jimenez. 
Headwaters  of  the  Rio  Conchos,  Rio  Nazas,  and  Rio  Mezquital, 
in  Chihuahua  and  Durango.      (Santiago  Papasquiaro;  Durango.) 

Head3K  to  3 ^ ;  depth  3 £<  tO4^;D.  ix  to  xi,  10  to  12;  A.  n,  7  or 
8;  scales  5-44  to  50-10.     Body  moderately  elongate,  not  much  com- 


198  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

pressed;  head  small,  mouth  rather  large,  oblique,  the  maxillary 
reaching  past  anterior  margin  of  the  eye;  snout  bluntish,  4^  in  head; 
premaxillary  not  protractile;  gill  membranes  not  united,  free  from  the 
isthmus;  pectorals  large,  almost  as  long  as  the  head;  ventrals  close 
together,  1^3  in  head;  preopercle  entire;  sides  of  head,  breast,  and  nape 
naked;  lateral  line  straight,  incomplete. 

Color  light  olive,  sides  tesselated  with  darker;  6  to  9  dark  cross-bars 
on  back,  traces  of  about  an  equal  number  on  the  sides ;  a  black  humeral 
spot;  a  dark  streak  downward  and  one  forward  from  eye;  soft  dorsal 
and  caudal  barred;  spinous  dorsal  with  some  small  dark  dots.  Length 
about  2.10  inches.  Females  taken  May  23  at  Durango  full  of  eggs, 
evidently  about  spawning  time. 

So  far  as  known  at  present,  this  is  the  only  darter  found  in  a  Pacific 
coast  stream.  Its  range  is  farther  south  than  any  member  of  the 
family  to  which  it  belongs. 

Subgenus  Oligocephalus  Girard. 
187.   Etheostoma  lepidum    (Baird  &  Girard). 

Boleosoma  lepida  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1853,  338 ;  upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Nueces,  Texas. 
Pcecilichthys  lepidus  Jordan,  Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Survey,  1878,  663; 

Brownsville,  Texas. 
Etheostoma  lepidum  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1896,  1089. 

Lower  Rio  Grande  and  the  streams  of  Texas,  Indian  Territory,  and 
Arkansas. 

Head  4^;  depth  4^;  D.  ix,  n  to  13;  A.  n,  6  to  8;  scales  6-48 
to  54-8.  Body  rather  stout,  compressed,  tapering  backward;  head 
sub-conical;  mouth  moderate,  the  jaws  equal;  maxillary  reaching 
vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the  orbit;  eyes  large;  first  dorsal 
rather  low  and  somewhat  connected  to  soft  dorsal;  no  scales  on  head, 
breast,  or  nape;  lateral  line  incomplete;  gill  membranes  not  connected. 
Color  olivaceous,  with  some  dark  blue  bars;  scales  dusky  at  base, 
sometimes  a  slight  trace  of  a  humeral  spot ;  dorsal  and  caudal  mottled 
or  barred.  Length  2^  inches. 

Family  XVIII.     Out  ropomnhr. 

THE  ROBALOS. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  dorsal  region  elevated;  abdominal 
region  straight  to  angulated  base  of  anal;  head  depressed,  pike-like, 
the  lower  jaw  projecting;  villiform  teeth  in  bands  on  jaws,  vomer,  and 
palatines;  no  teeth  on  tongue;  maxillary  broad,  truncate  behind,  with 


FAM.  XVIII.    CENTROPOMID.E.       FAM.  XIX.    H^EMULID^E.      199 

a  strong  supplemental  bone;  preopercle  with  a  double  ridge,  the 
posterior  margin  strongly  serrate ;  opercle  without  true  spines ;  scales 
ctenoid;  lateral  line  conspicuous;  dorsal  fins  well  separated,  the  first 
with  8  spines;  anal  spines  3,  the  second  strong,  the  third  long  and 
slender;  these  fins  moving  in  scaly  sheathes;  air  bladder  well  devel- 
oped; branchiostegals  7.  Species  all  American,  one  species  found  in 
the  rivers  of  southeastern  Mexico  far  above  tide-water. 

78.     Centropomus  Lace"pede. 

ROBALOS. 

Centropomus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  iv,  248,  1802.     (Type  re- 
stricted by  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes  to  Scicena  undecemalis  Bloch). 
Characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  description  of  the  family. 

188.  Centropomus  mexicanus  Bocourt.     ROBALO. 

Centropomus  mexicanus  Bocourt,  Ann.  Sci.  Nat.  Paris,  1868,  90; 
Gulf  of  Mexico:  Vaillant  &  Bocourt,  Miss.  Sci.  Mex.,  1875,  23, 
pi.  i,  fig.  2:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  1121. 

Both  coasts  of  Mexico,  ascending  rivers  to  a  considerable  distance 
above  tide-water.  (San  Francisco;  Boca  del  Rio;  El  Hule;  Perez.) 

Head  2^;  depth  4  to  4^;  D.  vm-i,  10;  A.  in,  6;  scales  11-69 
to  72-16.  Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  mouth  large,  maxil- 
lary reaching  nearly  to  posterior  margin  of  pupil ;  preopercle  with 
sharp  teeth  on  its  posterior  limb,  the  two  at  the  angle  larger  than 
the  others ;  2  spines  at  angle  of  anterior  limb ;  diameter  of  eye  5  %  in 
head;  third  dorsal  spine  the  longest,  2  in  head;  second  anal  spine 
very  strong,  if  in  head;  lateral  line  well  developed;  caudal  fin  forked. 

Color  olivaceous,  lighter  below;  lateral  line  blackish;  tips  of  dorsal 
and  caudal  blackish.  Length  12  inches  or  more. 

Family  XIX.     Hfemulidse. 

THE  GRUNTERS. 

Body  oblong,  more  or  less  elevated,  covered  with  moderate  sized 
scales,  usually  ctenoid;  lateral  line  concurrent  with  the  back,  usually 
not  extending  on  caudal  fin ;  head  large ;  no  suborbital  stay ;  premaxil- 
laries  protractile;  maxillary  without  supplemental  bone,  for  the  most 
of  its  length  slipping  under  edge  of  preorbital;  preorbital  usually 
broad ;  no  barbels ;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or  palatines ;  ventral  fin  thoracic, 
its  rays  1.5;  pyloric  ccecae  few;  vertebra?  usually  10+14  =  24;  alimen- 
tary canal  short.  Mostly  shore  fishes,  a  few  entering  fresh  water. 


200  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

79.     Pomadasys  Lace"pede. 
BURROS. 

Pomadasis  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  iv,  516,  1803.  (Type,  Pom- 
adasis  argentalus  Lacepede.) 

Rhoncisciis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Check-List,  Fishes  387,  1896. 
(Type,  Pristipoma  crocro  Cuv.  &  Val.) 

Body  oblong,  somewhat  compressed;  mouth  rather  small,  ter- 
minal, low,  maxillary  scarcely  reaching  eye;  premaxillaries  protrac- 
tile; teeth  on  jaws  only,  in  villiform  bands;  cheeks  and  opercles  scaly; 
preopercle  serrate,  the  serrae  below  not  turned  forward;  suprascapula 
serrate;  scales  large,  those  above  lateral  line  in  series  parallel  with  it; 
dorsal  fin  emarginate;  second  anal  spine  very  strong. 

Some  of  these  fishes  when  taken  from  the  water  make  a  loud,  snore- 
like  sound  very  much  like  the  noise  of  a  burro  or  donkey . 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  POMADASYS. 

a.    Second  anal  spine  not  reaching  tip  of  soft  rays,  PAGE 

its  length  i^  in  head";  mouth  large,  maxillary 
reaching  to  pupil,  af  in  head. 

b.    Scales  small,  65  in  the  lateral  series    starri     200 

bb.  Scales  larger,  56  in  the  lateral  series bayanus     201 

aa.  Second  anal  spine  reaching  beyond  tips  of  soft 
rays,  its  length  i^  in  head;  mouth  small,  max- 
illary not  reaching  to  anterior  margin  of  orbit, 
its  length  3^3  in  head templei  201 

Subgenus  Rhonciscus  Jordan  &  Evermann. 
189.  Pomadasys  starri  sp.  nov.     BURRO. 

Type,  No.  4693,  F.  C.  M.,  \\l/z  inches  in  length;  Perez,  Vera  Cruz. 

Head  3;  depth  3$-;  D.  xm,  1.2;  A.  in,  7;  scales  9-65-17.  Body 
elongate,  compressed;  ventral  outline  nearly  straight;  back  arched; 
profile  slightly  concave  above  the  eyes,  convex  at  nape;  head  pointed; 
snout  bluntish;  mouth  rather  large,  low,  its  gape  horizontal;  jaws  sub- 
equal;  maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  vertical  from  anterior  margin 
of  pupil,  its  length  2^  in  head;  teeth  villiform,  a  few  in  upper  jaw 
enlarged;  eye  large,  its  diameter  4^  in  head;  snout  3  in  head;  pre- 
opercle strongly  serrate;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly  behind  origin  of 
pectoral;  dorsal  fin  deeply  notched,  longest  dorsal  spine  2^  in  head; 
second  anal  spine  strong,  its  tip  not  reaching  to  tips  of  soft  rays,  its 
length  i^  in  head;  caudal  fin  emarginate,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer; 
least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  3^  in  the  head;  soft  dorsal  and  anal 


FAMILY  XIX.     H^EMULID^E.  201 

scaly  at  base;  head,  except  portion  in  front  of  nostrils,  scaly;  scales 
through  ctenoid. 

One  specimen,  i iX  inches  in  length  taken  at  Perez.  Named  for 
Dr.  Frederic  Starr,  who  more  than  any  one  else  has  studied  the 
native  Indians  of  Mexico. 

190.  Pomadasys  bayanus  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

Pristipoma  humile  Kner  &  Steindachner,  Sitsgber.  Akad.  Wiss. 
Munch,  1863,  222;  Rio  Bayano,  near  Panama. 

Pomadasis  bayanus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1898,  1331 ;  name  a  substitute  for  humile,  preoccupied:  Gilbert 
&  Starks,  Fishes  of  Panama  Bay,  109,  1904;  San  Jose  del  Cabo, 
Lower  California. 

Pacific  coast  streams,  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  Panama. 

Head  3^5;  depth  3^;  D.  xn,  12;  A.  in,  7;  scales  8-56-20.  Body 
elongate,  elliptical,  compressed  somewhat,  elevated  at  the  nape;  an- 
terior profile  straight  from  nape  to  the  end  of  the  snout;  snout  pro- 
duced, blunt,  rounded,  its  length  3  to  3 %  in  head;  mouth  large,  the 
maxillary  reaching  to  anterior  third  of  eye,  its  length  2f  in  head; 
diameter  of  eye  5  in  head;  preorbital  6^;  dorsal  fin  deeply  notched, 
its  longest  spine  about  2^  in  head;  second  anal  spine  long  and 
strong,  its  length  i^  in  head;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  sca'ly  at  the  base. 

Color  uniform  olivaceous  above,  silvery  below;  fins  plain. 

The  two  specimens  mentioned  by  Gilbert  &  Starks  are  probably 
different  species,  the  smaller  one  from  San  Jose  del  Cabo  being  appar- 
ently closely  related  to  Pomadasys  templei.  The  material  I  have  at 
hand  does  not  indicate  that  the  very  long  second  anal  spine  is  charac- 
teristic of  the  young. 

191.  Pomadasys  templei  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4504,  F.  C.  M.,  6^  inches  in  length;  Valles,  San  Luis 
Potosi. 

Head  3^;  depth  3^'.  D-  xm-i2;  A.  in,  6;  scales  7-57-16.  Body 
elongate,  compressed,  the  ventral  outline  nearly  straight,  back  arched; 
profile  from  tip  of  snout  to  the  origin  of  dorsal  nearly  straight;  head 
pointed;  snout  bluntish;  mouth  moderate;  the  maxillary  scarcely 
reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the  eye,  its  length  3^  in 
head;  mouth  little  oblique,  the  margin  of  the  upper  lip  below  the  level 
of  lower  margin  of  eye;  snout  3  in  head;  eye  large,  3^  in  head;  pre- 
opercle  strongly  serrate;  a  large  toothed  scale-like  process  just  above 
angle  of  opercle;  origin  of  dorsal  over  origin  of  pectoral,  its  first  spine 
very  short,  the  spines  gradually  increase  in  length  to  the  fourth,  which 
is  longest,  if  in  head;  the  next  to  the  last  spine  is  3^3  in  head;  pec- 


202  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

totals  1 1  in  head;  ventrals  produced  in  a  short  filament,  iX  m  head; 
second  anal  spine  very  strong,  t%  in  head,  its  tip  reaching  opposite 
base  of  caudal ;  caudal  fin  emarginate ;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle 
3  in  head;  scales  on  base  of  caudal  fin,  a  few  on  base  of  anal,  but  none 
on  dorsal;  head,  except  a  portion  anterior  to  nostrils,  scaly;  scales 
strongly  ctenoid. 

Color  light  brownish,  silvery,  lighter  below;  body  with  a  few  faint 
longitudinal  bands;  opercle  with  an  indistinct  black  blotch;  tips  of 
vertical  fins  dark.  Length  about  12  inches. 

The  longest  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Museum  is  6  inches. 
This  species  was  taken  by  me  at  Valles  and  Perez.  Named  for  Mr. 
A.  V.  Temple,  who  has  played  an  important  part  in  the  industrial  and 
commercial  development  of  Mexico. 

Family  XX.     Sciwnidse. 

THE  CROAKERS. 

Body  more  or  less  elongate,  compressed ;  scales  rather  thin,  ctenoid ; 
head  prominent  and  covered  with  scales ;  bones  of  the  skull  cavernous ; 
mouth  small  or  large;  teeth  conical,  in  one  or  more  series,  those  of  the 
outer  one  being  sometimes  enlarged ;  maxillary  slipping  under  the  free 
edge  of  the  preorbital;  no  teeth  on  tongue,  vomer,  or  palatines;  pre- 
maxillaries  protractile;  nostrils  double;  gill  membranes  separate,  free 
from  the  isthmus;  lower  pharyngeals  broad,  with  enlarged  conical  or 
molar  teeth ;  opercle  usually  ending  in  two  flat  points ;  spinous  portion 
of  dorsal  fin  smaller  than  the  soft  portion ;  anal  fin  with  i  or  2  spines ; 
ventral  fins  thoracic,  i  spine  and  5  soft  rays. 

A  large  family  of  fishes  mostly  inhabiting  the  sandy  shores  of  all 
seas,  a  few  species  living  in  fresh  water;  most  of  the  species  reach  a 
large  size. 

Subfamily  Haploidonotinse. 

8O.    Haploicloiiotus  Rafinesque. 

RIVER  DRUMS. 

Aplodinotus  Rafinesque,  Jour,  de  Phys.,  1819,  418.  (Type, 
Aplodinotus  grunniens  Rafinesque.) 

Body  oblong,  the  back  elevated  and  compressed;  mouth  rather 
small,  low,  horizontal,  the  lower  jaw  included;  snout  blunt;  teeth  in 
villiform  bands,  the  outer  above  scarcely  enlarged;  no  barbels;  gill 
rakers  short  and  blunt;  lower  pharyngeals  very  large,  united,  and 
with  coarse,  blunt  paved  teeth;  second  anal  spine  very  strong;  pyloric 
ccecae  7;  vertebrae  10  +  14  =  24. 


FAMILY  XX. 


203 


192.  Haploidonotus    grunniens   Rafinesque.       FRESH-WATER    DRUM; 

GASPERGOU. 
Aplodinotus  grunniens  Rafinesque,  Jour,  de  Phys.,  1819,  88;  Ohio 

River. 
Amblodon  neglectus  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1858,  167; 

Rio  Grande:  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  12,  pi.  v,  fig.  6-10,  1859; 

mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande;  Matamoras,  Tamaulipas. 
Corvina  oscula  Gunther,  Cat.,  u,  297,  1860. 
Aplodinotus  grunniens  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1896,  1484:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 

Comm.,  1902,  154,  fig.  4;  Rio  Usumacinta,  Montecristo. 
Larger  streams  and  lakes  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  and  Great  Lake 
region,  south  to  Chiapas. 


FIG.  65.    HAPLOIDONOTUS  GRUNNIENS  Rafinesque. 

No.  2364,  U.  S.  Fish  Commission. 

Head  3^;  depth  2^  to  3^;  D.  x,  30;  A.  n,  7;  scales  9-55  to  60-12 
or  13.  Body  oblong,  the  back  much  elevated  and  compressed;  the 
profile  long,  steep,  and  not  much  convex;  head  slightly  compressed; 
mouth  moderate,  subinferior,  low;  maxillary  reaching  to  the  vertical 
from  the  middle  of  the  eye ;  snout  4  in  head ;  eye  4^ ',  interorbital  3>£ ; 
dorsal  fins  connected;  ventral  with  its  first  ray  produced  into  a  fila- 
ment; caudal  fin  truncate;  gill  rakers  short,  thickish,  20  on  the  first 
gill  arch. 

Color  grayish  silvery,  dusky  above,  with  indications  of  two  or  three 
darker  bands  over  the  shoulder ;  a  dark  blotch  on  opercle ;  dorsal  and 
caudal  fins  same  as  the  body,  the  upper  half  of  the  membranes  darker; 
other  fins  pale. 

This  species  is  a  member  of  a  large  family  inhabiting  the  sandy 
shores  of  all  seas,  and  is  the  only  member  of  the  family  to  which  it 


2O4  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

belongs  confined  entirely  to  the  fresh  waters  of  North  America.  It 
reaches  a  weight  of  50  pounds;  as  food  fish  it  is  of  little  value  north, 
though  of  quite  good  quality  south,  where  it  is  an  important  market 
fish. 

Family  XXI      Cichlidae. 

THE  CICHLIDS;  "MOJARRAS." 

Body  elevated,  oblong  or  elongate,  covered  with  rather  large 
ctenoid  scales;  lateral  line  interrupted,  usually  ceasing  opposite  the 
end  of  dorsal  fin,  then  recommencing  farther  down  on  middle  of  caudal 
peduncle;  mouth  terminal;  teeth  in  jaws  usually  conical,  sometimes 
lobate  or  incisor-like ;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or  palatines ;  nostril  single  on 
each  side;  premaxillaries  freely  protractile;  maxillary  slipping  under 
the  broad  preorbital;  gill  membranes  often  connected;  dorsal  fin  single, 
the  spinous  portion  usually  longer  than  the  soft  portion ;  anal  fin  with 
3  or  more  spines,  the  soft  part  similar  to  soft  dorsal;  lower  pharyngeal 
bones  united  into  a  triangular  piece  with  a  median  suture;  bran- 
chiostegals  5  or  6;  no  pseudobranchiae ;  air  bladder  present;  caudal 
fin  lunate  or  rounded. 

This  family  comprises  a  large  number  of  fresh-water  fishes  inhab- 
iting the  rivers  of  tropical  America  and  Africa.  In  form,  size,  appear- 
ance and  habits  they  bear  a  close  resemblance  to  the  sunfishes  of  the 
United  States.  The  species  known  in  Mexico  are  not  regarded  as 
first  class  game  fishes,  though  as  food  fishes  they  are  very  good. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  CICHLID^E. 

a.  Caudal  fin  rounded,  or  truncate,  its  outer  rays  PAGE 

not  produced  into  filaments;  pectoral  fin  short, 
rounded,  its  length  ij^  to  1%  in  the  head;  no 
black  blotch  on  the  subopercle. 
b.     Teeth  of  the  outer  series  all  conic;  anal  spines 

4  to  1 1 Cichlasoma     204 

bb.  Teeth  of  the  outer  series  more  or  less  com- 
pressed, incisor-like;  anal  spines  5  to  8 Neetroplus     221 

aa.  Caudal  fin  lunate  or  slightly  forked,  some  of 
its  outer  rays  produced  into  a  filament;  pec- 
toral fin  long  and  pointed,  its  length  about 
equal  to  or  longer  than  the  head;  a  black 
blotch  on  subopercle Thorichthys  222 

81.     Cichlasoma  Swainson. 

Cichlasoma  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  Class'n  Fishes,  etc.,  230,  1839. 
(Type,  Labrus  punctatus  Bloch.) 


FAMILY  XXI.     CICHLID.E.  205 

Heros  Heckel,  Arin.  Wiener  Mus.,  1840,  362.  (Type,  Heros  severus 
Heckel,  etc.) 

Herichthys  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1854, 
25-  (Type,  Herichthys  cyanoguttatus  Baird  &  Girard.) 

Body  oblong  or  deep,  much  compressed;  mouth  rather  small, 
terminal,  low;  premaxillary  moderately  protractile;  lower  lip  with  or 
without  a  frenum;  jaws  with  a  single  series  of  rather  stout  conical 
teeth,  behind  which  is  a  narrow  band  of  villiform  teeth;  gill  mem- 
branes slightly  connected,  free  from  the  isthmus;  dorsal  spines  14 
to~i8;  anal  spines  4  to  n;  caudal  fin  subtruncate  or  rounded,  the 
outer  rays  never  produced  into  a  filament;  pectoral  fin  short,  its 
length  less  than  that  of  head. 

The  species  of  this  genus  are  very  difficult  to  capture  with  a 
seine.  They  are  more  skillful  in  dodging  a  net,  running  around  the 
end  or  jumping  over  it,  than  are  any  other  fishes  I  have  ever  collected. 
They  live  in  clear,  running  water,  coming  out  in  shallow  places  in 
the  sunshine.  As  any  one  approaches  they  hasten  at  once  to  deep 
water,  and  hide  among  roots  of  trees  or  under  overhanging  banks. 
After  a  few  minutes  they  cautiously  come  out  and  again  proceed 
to  the  shallow  water.  The  adult  males  are  provided  with  a  large 
hump  of  adipose  tissue  between  the  nape  and  the  spinous  dorsal. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  CICHLASOMA. 
a.  Mouth    large,    terminal,    the    lower   jaw    very  PAGE 

strong. 

b.     Anterior  teeth  in  outer  series  much  enlarged, 
canine-like;  lower  lip  with  a  frenum;  anal 

spines  5 ' mento     207 

bb.  Anterior  teeth  in  outer  series  not  canine-like, 
scarcely,  if  at  all,  larger  than  the  lateral  ones, 
c.     Anal  spines  7  to  9 ;  preorbital  4  in  head ;  post- 
orbital  2-j1^. 

d.  Lower  jaw  strong,  mandible  2  in  head; 
anal  spines  7  or  8 ;  lower  lip  without  trace 

of  a  frenum salvini     207 

dd.  Lower  jaw  less  strong,  mandible  2>£  in  the 
head;  anal  spines  9;  lower  lip  with  an  in- 
complete frenum hedricki  208 

cc.  Anal  spines  4  to  6. 
f.   Body  elongate,  depth  2^3"  to  2^. 
g.     Sides    with  4  to    7    ocellated,   vertically 
expanded  black    spots   below  dorsal  fin ; 
depth  2% pavonaceum     209 


2o6  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

gg.  No  ocellated  black  spots  on  sides.  PAGE 

h.     Lower  lip   without  trace   of   a  frenum, 

sides  without  dark  vertical  bars beani     210 

hh.  Lower  lip  with  a  frenum,  or  the  an- 
terior portion  not  as  free  as  the 
lateral. 

i.  Lower  lip  with  a  well  developed  frenum; 
tips    of    ventral    fins    not  reaching  first 
anal  spine. 

j.  Sides  with  9  or  10  dark  vertical  bars; 
dorsal  spines  low,  the  eighth  3^3  in 
head,  the  last  one  2^;  bases  of  ver- 
tical fins  with  a  few  dark  spots steindachneri  210 

jj.  Sides  with  about  6  dark  vertical  bars; 
dorsal  spines  higher,  the  eighth  2| 

in  head,  the  last  one  2^ bartoni     211 

ii.  Lower  lip  without  developed  frenum, 
the  lip  not  as  free  anteriorly  as  later- 
ally; tips  of  ventrals  reaching  second 
anal  spine;  sides  with  7  dark  vertical 

bars istlanum     212 

ff.  Body  deep,  its  depth  2  to  2%  in  the  length, 
k.     Lower  lip  without  a  frenum;  dorsal  rays 

13  to  15;  sides  with  about  6  dark  verti- 
cal bars evermanni     214 

kk.  Lower  lip  with  a  frenum. 

I.  Head  3^  in  body;  depth  2;  dorsal  spines 

14  or    15;   teeth   in  outer  series  dissimi- 
lar, some  being  bluntly  conic heterodontum     215 

II.  Head  3  to  3^;    D.  xvi;   teeth  in   outer 
series  similar,  pointed. 

m.      Anal  spines  5,  soft  rays  8  or  9,  dorsal 

fin  with  i  o  or  1 1  soft  rays cyanoguttatum     215 

mm.  Anal   spines   4;   soft   rays  n;   dorsal 

rays  13 rectangulare     216 

aa.  Mouth  smaller,  low  or  subinferior;  lower  jaw 

moderate  or  weak;  maxillary  3  to  4  in  head, 
n.  Mouth  terminal,   the  jaw  oblique;    jaws  sub- 
equal, 
o.  Anal  spines  8;  tip  of  ventrals  reaching  4th 

anal  spine, 
p.  Lower  lip  without  a  frenum;  a  few  anterior 

teeth  canine-like;  preorbital  4^  in  head. mojarra     217 


FAMILY  XXI.     CICHLID^;.  207 

pp.   Lower  lip  with  a  frenum;  preorbital  6   in  PAGE 

head octo  fas  datum     218 

oo.  Anal  spines  5  or  6;  lower  lip  with  a  frenum, 

or  its  anterior  margin  slightly  free, 
q.     Body  deep,  its  depth  2  to  2%;  sides  with 
7  dark  vertical  bars ;  lateral  band  faint  or 

none parma     218 

qq.  Body  elongate;  depth  2^  to  2%";  sides 
with  7  dark  vertical  bands,  and  a  con- 
spicuous dark  lateral  band melanurum  219 

nn.  Mouth  very  small,  subinferior;  maxillary  3^ 
to  4  in  head ;  lower  lip  with  a  broad  frenum ; 
tips  of  ventral  fins  not  reaching  anal  fin; 
depth  2%. 

r.     Preorbital  3/4  in  head;  soft  dorsal  of  14  rays  .  .eigenmanni     220 
rr.  Preorbital   2^  in   head;  soft  dorsal  of  10  or 

1 1  rays nebultfer     220 

193.  Cichlasoma  mento   (Vaillant  &  Pellegrin). 

Heros  mento  Vaillant  &  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris, 
1902,  87;  Rio  Negro,  Southern  Mexico. 

Head  3;  depth  2%  to  2|;  D.  xvi-io;  A.  v,  7  or  8;  scales  6-29-12. 
Body  rather  elongate;  lower  jaw  very  strong  and  prominent;  the 
outer  series  of  teeth  in  each  jaw  large,  the  anterior  ones  forming 
true  canines;  lower  lip  without  frenum;  eye  small,  4^  in  head,  i% 
in  interorbital  area ;  eye  nearer  snout  than  posterior  margin  of  opercle ; 
6  or  7  rows  of  scales  on  the  cheeks ;  dorsal  spines  increase  to  the  fifth ; 
middle  rays  of  dorsal  and  anal  produced ;  the  fifth  anal  spine  longer 
and  stronger  than  the  last  dorsal;  base  of  median  fins  scaly;  caudal 
rounded;  pectoral  rounded,  2/^  length  of  head. 

Color  olivaceous,  traces  of  da  k  punctulations  on  soft  parts  of 
unpaired  fins.  Length  about  7  inches.  (Vaillant  &  Pellegrin.) 

Known  only  from  the  type  locality. 

194.  Cichlasoma  salvini   (Gunther). 

Heros  salvini  Gunther,  Cat.  iv.,  294,  1862;  Rio  de  Santo  Isabel, 
Guatemala:  Gunther,  Fish.  Cent.  Amer.,  460,  pi.  73,  fig.  3, 
1869:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898, 
1528. 

Southern  Mexico  and  Guatemala.  (Motzorongo;  Refugio;  El 
Hule;  Perez;  Obispo.) 

Head  2%;  depth  2!  to  2%;  D.  xvu,  10  or  n;  A.  vii  or  vm, 
9;  scales  6-29-10.  Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  anterior  half  of 


208  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

profile  concave,  the  rest  convex;  snout  rather  pointed,  the  lower  jaw 
very  strong  and  longer  than  the  upper;  mouth  large,  maxillary  2^ 
in  head;  a  few  of  the  teeth  very  strong  and  canine-like;  lower  lip 
without  trace  of  a  frenum;  preorbital  4  in  head;  postorbital  2j\  in 
head;  diameter  of  eye  4^  in  head;  mandible  2  in  head;  eighth 
dorsal  spine  4  in  head,  the  last  3  in  head;  middle  rays  of  dorsal 
and  anal  produced,  nearly  reaching  tip  of  caudal  fin  in  specimens 
6  inches  long ;  about  to  •  middle  of  caudal  in  specimens  3  inches  in 
length;  pectoral  if  in  head;  ventral  with  tips  somewhat  produced, 
about  reaching  base  of  4th  anal,  i^  in  head;  soft  dorsal  and  anal, 
scaly  at  the  base;  cheeks  with  5  rows  of  scales;  caudal  fin  rounded; 
caudal  peduncle  2^  in  head,  its  length  i^  in  its  depth. 

Color  light  brownish,  side  with  a  dark  lateral  band,  more  or  less 
broken  into  blotches  on  posterior  half;  about  five  indefinite  dark 
bars  on  posterior  half  of  body,  the  region  just  below  dorsal  fin  some- 
what reticulated;  a  dark  blotch  on  middle  of  base  of  caudal  fin;  two 
indefinite  bais  across  profile  between  nape  and  dorsal;  a  dark  streak 
at  upper  and  one  at  lower  margin  of  interorbital  area;  a  dark  streak 
under  eye  forward  to  mouth;  a  few  small  dark  dots  on  soft  dorsal, 
anal  and  caudal  fins;  a  black  blotch  on  middle  of  side  above  end  of 
pectoral  and  where  the  first  definite  bar  on  side  crosses  lateral  band. 
Length  about  8  to  10  inches. 

Two  specimens  from  Motzorongo  have  the  cheeks  reticulated 
with  blue  lines  and  spots.  The  dorsal  fin  is  very  much  produced  on 
a  specimen  5  inches  long  from  Obispo,  tip  of  dorsal  fin  almost  reach- 
ing tip  of  caudal.  In  a  few  smaller  specimens  (2  to  4  inches)  the 
dorsal  rays  are  little  produced,  scarcely  reaching  past  base  of  anal; 
individuals  from  El  Hule  are  the  lightest  in  color,  those  from  Motzo- 
rongo the  darkest.  Specimens  less  than  3  inches  deep  have  a  black 
blotch  on  middle  of  side. 

195.  Cichlasoma  hedricki  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4673,  F.  C.  M.,  6.25  inches  in  length;  Obispo,  Vera 
Cruz. 

Abundant  in  the  large  rivers  of  Mexico  south  of  Vera  Cruz. 
(Vera  Cruz;  El  Hule;  Obispo;  Perez.) 

Head  2^;  depth  2^;  D.  xvn  or  xvm,  10;  A.  ix,  8;  scales 
7-34-12.  Body  rather  elongate,  compressed;  profile  nearly  straight 
to  nape,  from  nape  to  first  dorsal  spine  evenly  convex;  interorbital 
convex,  2$  in  head;  lips  thick,  the  lower  with  a  frenum,  not  quite 
reaching  the  margin  of  the  lip;  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting; 
outer  series  of  teeth  not  much  enlarged,  far  apart;  preorbital  4  in 
head;  postorbital  2^6  in  head;  cheeks  with  5  rows  of  scales;  diameter 


FAMILY  XXI.     CICHLID.E. 


209 


of  eye  4^  in  the  head;  dorsal  spines  rather  low;  eighth  spine  3;? 
in  head,  the  last  spine  2^  in  head;  middle  rays  of  soft  dorsal  produced, 
their  tips  in  specimens  3  inches  in  length  reaching  about  y$  from  base 
of  caudal,  in  ^pecimens  7  inches  in  length  to  or  past  middle  of  caudal; 


FlG.  66.     ClCHLASOMA  HEDRICKI  Meek. 


few  scales  on  base  of  soft  dorsal  and  anal  fins;  pectoral  fin  if  in 
head;  ventral  with  the  tips  produced,  reaching  to  base  of  fifth  anal 
spine;  ventral  if  in  head;  caudal  fin  much  rounded;  least  depth  of 
caudal  peduncle  2^  in  head,  its  length  i>£  in  depth. , 

Color  dark  greenish  olive,  sides  with  8  dark  vertical  bars,  the 
first  at  front  of  -spinous  dorsal,  the  first  three  bars  with  indefinite 
outlines;  middle  of  opercle  black;  a  dark  lateral  band  little  wider 
than  eye  on  side,  seldom  extending  beyond  end  of  pectoral  fin;  a 
dark  bar  from  eyes  across  snout,  one  on  interorbital  region,  and  2 
others  between  nape  and  origin  of  dorsal  fin;  soft  dorsal  and  anal 
and  caudal  fins  profusely  spotted  with  black;  a  dark  band  along 
middle  of  spinous  dorsal,  a  second  band  above  this  from  tenth  spine 
to  soft  dorsal;  ventrals  dusky,  a  black  ocellated  spot  at  base  of 
caudal  above  lateral  line.  Length  about  12  inches. 

Named  for  Mr.  D.  W.  Hedrick,  who  superintended  the  construction 
of  the  large  railroad  bridges  between  Vera  Cruz  and  Santa  Lucretia, 
in  recognition  of  the  favors  received  through  his  courtesies. 

196.  Cichlasoma  pavonaceum   (Garman). 

Her os  pavonaceus   Garman,    Bull.    Mus.    Comp.    Zool.,    1881,    93; 
Spring  near  Monclova,  Coahuila:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 
47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  1538. 
Known  only  from  the  type  locality. 

Head  2^;  depth  2>^;  D.  xvi,  12;  A.  v,  8;  scales  5-32-12.  Body 
rather  elongate;  head  as  deep  as  long;  eye  large,  wider  than  pre- 


2io  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

orbital,  its  front  behind  tip  of  maxillary;  jaws  equal;  5  rows  of  scales 
on  the  cheek;  fifth  dorsal  spine  the  highest;  soft  dorsal  and  anal 
reaching  caudal;  tip  of  pectorals  reaching  vent. 

Color  dark  brown  flecked  with  pale;  4  to  7  ocellated,  vertically 
expanded  black  spots  on  side  below  dorsal  fin;  an  ocellated  black 
spot  on  base  of  tail  above  lateral  line;  side  with  10  or  12  faint  dark 
cross  bands.  (Garman.) 

197.  Cichlasoma  beani   (Jordan). 

Heros  beani  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1888,  332;  Rio  Presidio, 
near  Mazatlan:  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1895,  473;  Rio 
Presidio:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1898,  1539:  Evermann,  Proc.  Biol.  Soc.  Wash.,  1898,  2;  Rosario, 
Sinaloa. 

Lowland  streams  of  Sinaloa  and  Jalisco. 

Head  3;  depth  2*^;  D.  xv,  n;  A.  v,  8;  scales  5-29-11.  Body 
oblong,  compressed;  head  small,  profile  depressed  at  interorbital 
area,  which  is  flat  or  slightly  concave,  its  width  2^  in  head;  snout 
rather  pointed;  lower  jaw  the  longer;  mouth  moderate,  maxillary 
3  in  head;  outer  series  of  teeth  enlarged,  those  in  front  on  upper 
jaw  canine-like;  preorbital  4  in  head;  postorbital  2^;  lips  rather 
thin,  the  lower  without  a  frenum;  scales  on  cheeks  in  about  5  rows; 
spinous  dorsal  low,  the  eighth  spine  3^  in  head,  the  last  2^;  middle 
rays  of  dorsal  and  anal  much  produced,  their  tips  reaching  nearly 
to  tip  of  caudal  fin;  pectorals  i^  in  head;  ventrals  with  rays  pro- 
duced, their  tips  reaching  base  of  third  anal  spine;  caudal  fin  rounded; 
least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2^  in  head,  its  length  i?4  in  its  least 
depth. 

Color  light  olive,  the  scales  with  light  margins,  giving  the  fish 
a  spotted  appearance;  round  brownish  spots  on  dorsal,  caudal,  and 
anal  fins;  ventrals  dusky,  the  pectorals  pale;  a  light  line  obliquely 
downward  and  forward  to  maxillary.  Length  about  12  inches. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  Mr.  B.  A.  Bean,  I  have  been  pernrtted 
to  examine  5  specimens  of  this  species,  which  were  taken  at  Tepic, 
December,  1902.  It  is  reported  to  be  an  excellent  food  fish. 

198.  Cichlasoma  steindachneri  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Cichlasoma    steindachneri   Jordan    &    Snyder,    Bull.    U.    S.    Fish 
Comm.,  1900,  143,  fig.  20;  Rio  Verde,  Rascon,  San  Luis  Potosi: 
Jordan'&  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3173. 
Basin  of  the  Rio  Panuco.     (Forlon;  Valles;  Rascon.) 
Head  2^;  depth  2%;  D.  xv  or  xvi,  10;  A.  v,  7;  scales  6-32-11. 
Body  rather  elongate,  compressed;  profile  convex,  not  steep;  head 


FAMILY  XXI.     CICHLID^E.  211 

pointed,  upper  jaw  slightly  the  longer;  lips  thick,  the  lower  with  a  well 
developed  frenum;  outer  series  of  teeth  enlarged,  canine-like;  mouth 
rather  large ;  maxillary  3  %  in  head ;  mandible  2 ;  preorbital  3  %  to  4 ; 
postorbital  2*^;  snout  2^";  interorbital  very  convex,  3^  in  head; 


FlG.  67.     ClCHLASOMA  STEINDACHNERI  Jordan  &  Snyder. 
No.  6164,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

cheeks  with  about  7  rows  of  scales ;  dorsal  spines  rather  low,  the  eighth 
3>£  in  head,  the  last  2^ ;  dorsal  and  anal  rays  not  produced,  their  tips 
scarcely  reaching  past  base  of  caudal  fin;  pectoral  fin  iX  in  head; 
ventral  with  rays  not  produced,  their  tips  not  reaching  first  anal  spine; 
no  scales  on  base  of  soft  dorsal  and  anal  fins;  caudal  fin  slightly 
rounded;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2^  in  head,  its  length  equal 
to  its  depth. 

Color  light  brownish;  sides  with  about  9  or  10  vertical  dark  bars; 
a  dark,  irregular  band  from  upper  edge  of  opercle  to  base  of  caudal ; 
this  band  more  or  less  broken  between  the  bars ;  a  black  spot  on  middle 
of  base  of  caudal;  sides  of  head  usually  profusely  speckled  with  dark 
dots ;  a  few  of  these  dots  on  the  lower  half  of  the  body ;  an  indefinite 
oblong  blotch  on  middle  of  spinous  dorsal ;  base  of  vertical  fins  with  a 
few  dark  spots.  Length  about  8  inches. 

199.  Cichlasoma  bartoni   (Bean). 

Acara  bartoni  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  1892,  pi.  XLIV,  fig.  3, 

286;  Huasteca  Potosina,  San  Luis  Potosi,  Mexico. 
Cichlasoma  bartoni  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1896,  1515. 
Heros  labridens  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  1903,  120; 

Huasteca  Potosi. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Panuco.      (Rio  Verde.) 

Head  2^;  depth  2^2 ;  D.  xv  or  xvi,  loor  n  ;  A.  v,  9;  scales  7-30-11. 
Body  elongate,  rather  deep,  compressed;  profile  convex,  not  very 


212 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


steep,  snout  pointed;  jaws  equal;  lips  thick,  the  lower  with  a  distinct 
frenum;  mouth  rather  small,  maxillary  3^  in  head;  mandible  2$ ; 
snout  2%;  preorbital  4  in  head;  postorbital  2^  in  head;  interorbital 
convex  3^  in  head;  diameter  of  eye  4  in  head;  eighth  dorsal  spine 


FlG.  68.     ClCHLASOMA  BARTONI  Bean. 

2^  in  head,  last  dorsal  spine  2^  in  head;  middle  rays  of  dorsal  fin 
not  produced,  their  tips  reaching  slightly  beyond  base  of  caudal  fin; 
pectoral  fin  i  %  in  head ;  ventral  rays  not  produced ;  length  of  ventral 
1^3  in  head,  tips  not  reaching  first  anal  spine;  caudal  fin  rounded; 
least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2^;  its  length  i>6  in  its  depth. 

Color  dark  brownish,  sides  with  about  6  dark  indistinct  vertical 
bars;  no  lateral  band,  or  a  very  faint  one;  a  dark  caudal  spot,  sides  of 
head  usually  with  small  dark  dots,  these  sometimes  forming  reticula- 
tions on  sides  of  head  and  above  it ;  very  few  or  no  dark  dots  on  soft 
dorsal,  anal,  or  caudal  fins.  Length  about  8  to  10  inches. 

This  species  is  more  robust  and  has  a  less  pointed  snout  than 
Cichlasoma  steindachneri,  which  it  most  resembles.  It  has  coarse, 
blunt  pharyngeal  teeth.  A  number  of  specimens  examined  by  me 
were  taken  in  the  Rio  Verde  at  Rio  Verde  by  Dr.  W.  L.  Tower  of  the 
University  of  Chicago. 

200.  Cichlasoma  istlanum  (Jordan  &  Snyder). 

Heros  istlanus  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.  1900,  144, 
fig.  21 ;  Rio  Ixtla,  at  Puente  de  Ixtla:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900,  3174:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus. 
Pub.  65,  1902,  120;  Rio  Ixtla;  Puente  de  Ixtla,  Morelos;  Rio 
Balsas.  Balsas  Guerrero. 

Basin  of  the  Rio  Balsas.  (Yautepec;  Jojutla;  Chietla;  Papayo, 
Guerrero,  collected  by  E.  W.  Nelson.) 


FAMILY  XXI.     CICHLIDVE. 


213 


Head  2^;  depth  2^  to  2%";  D.  xv  or  xvi,  10  or  u;  A.  v  or  vi,  7 
or  8.  Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  large,  mouth  large  and 
strong;  maxillary  2%  in  head;  the  lower  jaw  the  longer;  teeth  in  the 
outer  series  of  both  jaws  enlarged,  not  numerous;  lips  thick,  no  frenum 


FlG.  69.    ClCHLASOMA  ISTLANUM  (Jordan  &  Snyder). 
No.  6150,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  University. 

in  some  specimens,  a  partial  one  in  others;  mandible  i\  in  head; 
snout  3f;  interorbital  convex,  2^  in  head;  preorbital  3^!  post- 
orbital  2^£;  diameter  of  eye  4%',  cheeks  with  about  6  rows  of  scales; 
eighth  dorsal  spine  3^3  in  head;  the  last  spine  2^  to  3 ;  middle  rays  of 
dorsal  and  anal  produced,  sometimes  reaching  past  middle  of  caudal 
fin;  pectoral  fin  if  in  head;  ventral  fins  with  rays  produced  into  a 
filament  in  larger  specimens,  the  tips  reaching  second  anal  spine;  in 
specimens  where  the  rays  are  not  produced  the  tips  of  the  caudal  fin 
do  not  reach  origin  of  the  anal;  caudal  fin  rounded,  the  least  depth  of 
caudal  peduncle  2^  in  head,  its  length  slightly  less  than  depth. 

Color  nearly  black  to  a  light  brownish,  each  scale  with  an  oblong 
dark  spot  in  the  center;  traces  on  the  smaller  and  lighter  individuals 
of  about  7  dark  vertical  bars ;  smaller  individuals  (less  than  4  inches) 
have  a  black  spot  on  middle  of  the  side,  one  at  base  of  caudal  and  one 
at  upper  edge  of  gill  opening;  dorsal,  caudal,  and  anal  fins  spotted  with 
black;  in  some  specimens  the  spots  on  scales  very  prominent,  forming 
longitudinal  lines  on  lower  half  of  the  body.  Length  about  1 2  inches. 

This  species  is  very  abundant  in  the  Balsas  Basin,  and  at  present 
is  the  only  member  of  the  family  known  from  it.  It  is  quite  variable 
in  color,  some  specimens  from  Yautepec  being  nearly  black  on  the  lower 
half  of  the  body,  or  with  scattered  black  blotches.  The  nuchal  hump 
is  developed  quite  well  in  males  7  inches  in  length.  In  the  speci- 
mens from  Yautepec  the  ovaries  are  little  developed  and  give  no 


214 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


evidence  of  approximate  spawning  time.  This  species  and  the  large 
catfish  found  in  the  Balsas  Basin  are  the  most  important  food  fishes 
of  that  region. 

201.  Cichlasoma  evermanni  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.   4227,  F.  C.  M.,  5.25   inches  in  length;  Tehuantepec, 
Oaxaca.     (Tehuantepec.) 

Rio  Tehuantepec.     (Tehuantepec.) 


FIG.  70.    CICHLASOMA  EVERMANNI  Meek. 


Head  2^;  depth  2%;  D.  xiv  or  xv,  13  to  15;  A.  v,  8  or  9;  scales 
7-32-12.  Body  deep,  compressed;  the  profile  rather  steep,  its  an- 
terior half  slightly  concave,  the  posterior  half  convex;  mouth  rather 
large,  the  maxillary  3,^  in  head,  its  tip  not  quite  reaching  vertical 
from  anterior  margin  of  the  eye;  jaws  equal;  teeth  in  each  jaw  in  a 
band,  the  anterior  row  slightly  enlarged;  lips  moderately  thick,  the 
lower  with  no  distinct  frenum,  though  not  quite  so  free  at  the  sym- 
phisis  as  laterally;  preorbital  broad,  3%  in  head;  postorbital  2^; 
interorbital  2  ^ ;  diameter  of  eye  3  ^  to  4  in  head, ;  cheeks  with  5  rows 
of  scales;  origin  of  dorsal  to  tip  of  snout  2^3  in  the  body;  dorsal 
spines  gradually  increasing  in  size  to  about  fifth,  longest  (eighth)  3  in 
head;  in  the  largest  specimens  (5  inches  in  length)  the  middle  rays  of 
the  dorsal  are  produced,  their  tips  reaching  past  the  middle  of  the 
caudal  fin;  in  smallest  specimens  (4  inches  in  length)  tips  of  dorsal 
and  anal  rays  reach  slightly  past  base  of  anal;  pectoral  fin  i£  in 
head ;  ventral  with  the  tips  produced  in  the  larger  individuals ;  tips  in 
the  young  scarcely  reaching  base  of  first  anal  spine,  in  adults  to  fourth 
anal  spine;  caudal  fin  truncate;  caudal  peduncle  deep,  its  least 
depth  2  in  head,  its  length  i^  in  its  least  depth. 


FAMILY  XXI.     CICHLID^E.  215 

Color  dark  olivaceous,  sides  with  6  dark  vertical  bars,  each 
wider  than  the  interspaces,  the  first  bar  across  opercle,  the  second 
one  begins  at  base  of  fourth  anal  spine;  no  lateral  band,  or  a  very 
indistinct  one ;  no  definite  blotches  on  sides ;  a  small  black  caudal  spot 
just  above  lateral  line;  vertical  fins  with  some  small  black  spots,  or 
none  on  darker  specimens;  fins  all  dusky;  no  bars  on  profile;  many 
scales  have  dark  centers.  Length  about  8  inches.  Several  specimens 
taken  at  Tehuantepec. 

Named  for  Dr.  Barton  W.  Evermann,  in  recognition  of  his  services 
to  American  Ichthyology. 

202.  Cichlasoma  heterodontum   (Vaillant  &  Pellegrin). 

Heros  heterodontus  Vaillant  &  Pellegrin,  Bull.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist. 
Paris,  1902,  85;  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec. 

Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec. 

Head  3-^;  depth  2;  D.  xiv-xv,  12;  A.  v,  9;  scales  6-28-14.  Body 
deep;  jaws  subequal;  lower  lip  with  a  frenum;  the  teeth  in  outer  series 
dissimilar,  few  cylindro-conical,  the  others  simply  cylindrical,  with 
worn  tips,  being  intermediate  between  this  genus  and  Neetroplus; 
eye  3X  m  the  head,  i%  in  interorbital  space,  1^2  to  1^5  in  the  length 
of  the  snout;  cheeks  with  5  rows  of  scales;  dorsal  spines  gradually 
increase  to  the  fifth ;  the  last  anal  spine  is  as  long  and  stronger  than 
the  last  dorsal  spine;  caudal  fin  rounded;  base  of  soft  parts  of  un- 
paired fins  scaly;  pectoral  more  than  ^  length  of  the  head. 

Color  brownish,  with  traces  of  6  dark  transverse  bands  and  a  dark 
caudal  spot;  the  fins  dark  with  some  darker  punctulations.  Length 
about  5  inches  (Vaillant  &  Pellegrin). 

203.  Cichlasoma  cyanoguttatum   (Baird  &  Girard). 

Herichthys  cyanoguttatus  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci. 

Phila.,  1854,  25;  Rio  Grande,  Brownsville,  Texas:  Girard,  Mex. 

Bd.  Sur.,  30,  pi.  iv,  figs.  9-12, 1859;  Laguna,  Ft.  Brown,  Texas; 

Matamoras,  Mexico;  Rio  San  Juan,  near  Cadereita  and  Cader- 

eita,  Nuevo  Leon. 
Heros  cyanoguttatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus. 

1896,  1537:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1900, 

144;  lagoons  at  Tampico. 
Heros  temporatus  Fowler,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1903,  321; 

Victoria,  Tamaulipas. 

Atlantic  coast  rivers  from  Texas  to  the  Rio  Panuco  and  Tabasco. 
(Monterey ;  Montemorelos ;  San  Juan ;  Linares ;  La  Cruz ;  Garza  Valdez ; 
Santa  Engracia;  Victoria;  Forlon;  Rascon.) 

Head  3;  depth  2^;  D.  xvi,  10  or  n ;  A.  v,  8  or  9;  scales  7-33—12. 


2i6  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Body  deep,  compressed;  profile  with  a  quite  even  curve,  except  in 
males  with  the  nuchal  hump;  mouth  moderate;  maxillary  2^  in 
head ;  mandible  2% ',  jaws  equal,  or  the  lower  the  longer  in  males ;  outer 
series  of  teeth  conical,  enlarged;  lips  moderately  thick,  the  lower  with 
a  f renum ;  preorbital  2  g  in  head ;  postorbital  2 1/£ ;  interorbital  very 
convex,  2^  in  head;  diameter  of  eye  4%  in  head;  cheeks  with  5  rows 
of  scales;  eighth  dorsal  spine  2|  in  head;  last  dorsal  spine  2-jl0 ;  the 
middle  rays  of  dorsal  and  anal  produced,  reaching  in  the  male  slightly 
past  the  middle  of  the  caudal  fin,  in  female  to  about  middle  of  caudal 
fin;  pectoral  fin  2%  in  head;  ventral  with  their  rays  produced,  their 
tips  reaching  third  anal  spine ;  ventrals  slightly  longer  than  the  head ; 
caudal  fin  rounded;  least  depth  i|  in  head;  length  of  caudal  pe- 
duncle 1 1  in  the  depth. 

Color  olivaceous,  5  indistinct  dark  bars  on  the  posterior  half  of  the 
body;  a  black  caudal  spot,  slightly  more  than  half  above  the  lateral 
line;  many  small  white  spots  on  sides,  being  most  numerous  on  head 
ventral  surface,  head  and  caudal  peduncle;  white  spots  on  vertical 
fins,  being  most  numerous  on  the  base  of  soft  dorsal  and  anal,  and  on 
caudal  fin;  ventrals  black  or  very  dark;  pectorals  light.  Many  half 
grown  and  adult  individuals  with  posterior  half  of  body  and  ventral 
region  below  base  of  pectoral  fin  black.  Males  of  this  species,  7 
inches  long  and  over,  have  a  well  developed  nuchal  hump.  Length 
about  12  inches. 

At  La  Cruz  I  succeeded  in  catching  a  large  number  of  adults  of 
this  species.  Many  of  the  smaller  males  and  all  of  the  females  had  no 
nuchal  hump.  All  of  the  larger  males  had  the  hump  more  or  less 
developed.  The  sexual  organs  of  the  males  were  undeveloped.  The 
ovaries  of  the  females  of  some  specimens  were  a  little  more  developed 
than  in  others,  but  none  were  at  all  near  the  spawning  period,  and 
there  was  no  evidence  that  would  indicate  the  approximate  time  of 
spawning. 

204.  Cichlasoma  rectangulare   (Steindachner). 

Acara  rectangularis  Steindachner,  Chromiden  Mexnos,  1864,  i ; 
Mexico. 

Cichlasoma  rectangulare  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1896,  1515. 

Distribution  unknown. 

Head  $%;  depth  2f ;  D.  xvi,  13;  A.  iv,  n;  scales  21-33.  Body 
moderately  elongate,  the  back  considerably  arched;  profile  depressed 
before  the  eye ,  which  is  in  the  middle  of  the  head ;  maxillary  reaching 
front  of  eye ;  outer  teeth  large,  somewhat  canine-like ;  lower  lip  with  a 
f  renum;  eye  4|  in  head;  preorbital  3^  in  head;  7  rows  of  scales  on 


FAMILY  XXL     CICHLID^;.  217 

the  cheek;  dorsal  spines  rather  low  and  strong;  soft  dorsal  and  anal 
moderately  high  and  pointed;  ventrals  longer  than  pectoral,  i-^  in 
head ;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  with  small  scales  at  base ;  caudal  fin  rounded. 

Color  dark  brown;  a  narrow  brown  vertical  streak  on  each  scale 
posteriorly;  a  broad  blackish  band  beginning  behind  eye  running 
backward  along  body  to  opposite  first  soft  ray  of  anal,  then  turn- 
ing abruptly  to  base  of  caudal;  soft  dorsal  and  caudal  with  alte  nate 
rows  of  yellow  and  dirty  blue  spots  on  the  membranes;  fins  mostly 
bluish,  dotted  with  black.  Length  7^  inches  (Steindachner). 

Known  only  from  the  above  account. 

205.  Cichlasoma  mojarra  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4718,  F.  C.  M.,  2.35  inches  in  length;  San  Geronimo, 
Oaxaca. 


FIG.  71.    CICHLASOMA  MOJARRA  Meek. 

Head  2f ;  depth  2>^;  D.  xvi,  10;  A.  vm,  7;  scales  8-32-12.  Body 
elliptical,  compressed;  profile  with  a  slight  angle  between  eyes,  and 
slightly  convex  from  nape  to  dorsal  fin;  mouth  moderate,  maxillary 
3  in  head;  snout  3^  in  head;  lips  rather  thick,  the  lower  without  trace 
of  a  frenum;  jaws  equal;  mandible  2^  in  head;  teeth  conical,  a  few 
in  front  canine-like;  preorbital  narrow,  4^  in  head;  postorbital  2% 
in  head;  interorbital  3^  in  head;  cheeks  with  5  rows  of  scales;  opercles 
scaly;  diameter  of  eye  2|  in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  to  tip  of  snout  2^" 
in  the  body;  the  first  four  dorsal  spines  low,  the  fourth  about  f  the 
length  of  the  fifth,  longest  (eighth)  dorsal  spine  2§  in  head;  dorsal 
rays  not  produced,  the  longest  if  in  head;  tip  of  dorsal  opposite  tips 
of  anal  when  the  fins  are  deflexed;  the  dorsal  and  anal  rays  reaching 
about  y£  distance  to  base  of  caudal  fin;  pectorals  i-f  in  head;  ventrals 


218  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

i/4  m  head,  their  tips  slightly  produced  and  reaching  base  of  fourth 
anal  spine;  caudal  fin  rounded;  caudal  peduncle  deep,  its  least  depth 
2^3  in  head;  length  of  caudal  peduncle  about  iX  in  its  least  depth. 

Color  light  brownish,  sides  with  7  dark  vertical  bars,  each  wider 
than  the  interspaces,  the  first  bar  across  nape  ending  in  a  dark  humeral 
spot  about  y$  size  of  eye,  the  second  bar  at  base  of  first  four  dorsal 
spines,  the  last  bar  on  caudal  peduncle;  a  dark  ocellated  spot  at  base 
of  caudal  slightly  above  middle;  a  dark  spot  on  fourth  caudal  bar 
below  lateral  line ;  tips  of  ventrals  and  anal  blackish ;  interorbital  area 
dark;  a  dark  bar  on  napoin  front  of  the  one  ending  in  a  humeral  spot. 

206.  Cichlasoma  octofasciatum   (Regan). 

Heros  cyanoguttatus  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 
Comm.,  1902,  157 ;  Montecristo,  Tabasco. 

Heros  octofasciatus  Regan,  Ann.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Geneva,  1903,  417, 
pi.  13,  fig.  i;  Mexico. 

Southern  Mexico  to  Honduras. 

Head  i\ ;  depth  2;  D.  xvn  to  xix-8  to  10;  A.  vin  to  x-8  to  10; 
scales  5-29-12  to  14.  Body  deep,  compressed;  snout  short,  about  as 
long  as  diameter  of  eye;  lower  lip  with  afrenum;  eye  large,  3  (young) 
to  4 Ys  in  head,  and  equaling  interorbital  width;  preorbital  straight, 
its  width  ^  to  f  diameter  of  eye ;  dorsal  spines  gradually  increasing 
to  the  seventh,  the  others  subequal;  pectoral  i^  in  head;  tips  of  ven- 
trals reaching  fourth  anal  spine;  caudal  peduncle  short,  its  depth  i^ 
to  2^  times  its  length. 

Color,  seven  obscure  dark  bands  on  sides,  another  at  base  of  caudal 
fin ;  a  black  spot  on  third  band  just  below  lateral  line ;  a  similar  but 
smaller  spot  on  upper  half  of  base  of  caudal ;  soft  parts  of  unpaired 
fins  obscurely  spotted;  usually  some  light  blue  spots  on  the  head, 
and  one  on  each  scale  of.  side  of  body.  Length  5  inches.  (Regan.) 

207.  Cichlasoma  par  ma   (Giinther). 

Heros  parma  Giinther,  Cat.,  iv,  285,  1862;  Mexico  and  Guate- 
mala: Giinther,  Fishes  Cent.  Amer.,  449,  1869;  Guatemala. 
Cichlasoma  parma  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Fish 
Comm.,  1896,  1519:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S. 
Fish  Comm.,  1902,  156;  Montecristo:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus. 
Pub.  65,  1902,  120;  La  Antigua. 

Large  rivers  of  Mexico  which  empty  into  the  Gulf  south  of  Vera 
Cruz.  (San  Francisco;  Vera  Cruz;  Boca  del  Rio;  Obispo;  Perez.) 

Head  3;  depth  2  to  2>£;  D.  xvi  or  xvn,  12  or  13;  A.  vi,  8  or  9;  scales 
7-33-12.  Body  rather  deep,  compressed,  profile  steep;  mouth  rather 
small,  the  maxillary  not  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  the 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN   MUSEUM. 


PLATE  XV,  ZOOLOGY. 


ClCHLASOMA  PARMA  (Giinthep. 
No.  4570,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


FAMILY  XXI.     CICHLID^;.  219 

orbit;  maxillary  3^3  in  head;  mandible  2^3  to  3;  jaws  equal;  lips 
moderately  thick,  the  lower  with  a  frenum  in  large  specimens  (in  small 
specimens,  5  inches  or  lesss,  the  frenum  not  complete) ;  preorbital  4 
in  head;  postorbital  2|;  diameter  of  eye  4^;  dorsal  spines  rather 
high,  the  eighth  spine  2^  in  head,  the  last  one  i ;  anal  and  dorsal  rays 
not  much  produced,  their  tips  reaching  slightly  beyond  base  of  caudal 
fin;  pectoral  fin  i^  in  head;  ventral  1%,  its  rays  slightly  produced, 
the  tips  of  longest  reaching  to  first  anal  spine ;  least  depth  of  caudal 
peduncle  2%  in  head,  its  length  i%  in  its  depth;  caudal  fin  rounded. 

Color  olivaceous  with  7  dark  vertical  bars;  an  indistinct  longitu- 
dinal band  from  opercle  to  base  of  caudal,  ending  in  a  dark  spot  at  base 
of  caudal  fin;  fins  dusky.  Length  about  14  inches. 

This  species  resembles  C.  melanurus.  It  is  deeper  and  does  not 
have  a  prominent  lateral  band.  One  of  the  most  abundant  species 
of  Cichlids  in  southern  Mexico. 

208.  Cichlasoma  melanurum   (Giinther). 

Heros  melanurus  Giinther,  Cat.,  iv,    1862,    228;    Lago   de   Peten, 
Guatemala:  Giinther,    Fish.   Cent.  Amer.  450,   pi.    72,  fig.  3, 
1869;  Lago  de  Peten,  Guatemala. 
Heros  fenestratus  B.  A.  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.   1892,  541; 

Santa  Maria,  Vera  Cruz. 

Cichlasoma  melanurum  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.S.  Nat. 
Mus.  1896,  1523:  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 
Comm.,  1902,  157;  Montecristo,  Teapa:  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus. 
Pub.  65,  1902,  120;  Cuicatlan. 

Large  rivers  of  tropical  America  south  of  the  city  of  Vera  Cruz  and 
Tehuantepec.  (Vera  Cruz;  Otopa;  Motzorongo;  Obispo;  Perez;  San 
Geronimo.) 

Head  3^;  depth  2^"  to  2%;  D.  xvm,  10;  A.  vi  or  vn;  scales  6-34- 
ii.  Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed,  profile  rather  steep; 
head  short;  mouth  moderate,  the  maxillary  not  reaching  to  vertical 
from  anterior  margin  of  the  pupil,  3^  in  head;  lips  thick,  a  broad 
frenum  in  adult  specimens,  a  shallow  groove  in  young;  upper  jaw 
slightly  the  longer ;  preorbital  3  %  in  head ;  postorbital  2  l/$ ;  snout  2  % ; 
mandible  2-f  to  3  ;  diameter  of  eye  4^ ;  seventh  or  eighth  dorsal  spine 
3^  in  head,  last  spine  2^ ;  dorsal  and  anal  rays  not  much  produced, 
their  tips  scarcely  reaching  past  base  of  caudal;  pectoral  fin  i^"  in 
head;  tips  of  ventrals  not  reaching  anal,  i%  in  head;  caudal  fin 
rounded;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2%  in  head,  its  length  i>£  in 
its  least  depth. 

Color  dark  olivaceous;  sides  with  about  7  black  vertical  bars,  each 
narrower  than  the  interspaces,  sometimes  the  bands  are  not  all  dis- 


220  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

tinct ;  a  broad  lateral  band  running  from  just  above  pectoral  to  middle 
of  caudal  peduncle ;  no  black  caudal  spot ;  fins  dusky,  unicolor.  Length 
about  15  inches. 

This  species  resembles  Cichlasoma  parma,  but  it  is  more  slender,  and 
the  dark  lateral  band  is  much  more  prominent. 

209.  Cichlasoma  eigenmanni  Meek. 

Cichlasoma  eigenmanni  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  119; 
Venta  Salada. 

Upper  tributaries  of  the  Rio  Papaloapam. 

Head  3^";  depth  2^;  D.  xvn,'i4;  A.  v,  10;  scales  6-33-11.  Body 
elongate;  profile  convex,  not  very  steep;  mouth  small,  low,  terminal; 
jaws  subequal;  maxillary  not  reaching  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  its 
length  3;?  in  head;  mandible  3^  in  head;  preorbital  3^3  in  head; 
postorbital  2%',  snout  2^;  lips  thin,  the  lower  with  a  broad  frenum; 
eighth  dorsal  spine  2^  in  head,  the  last  spine  2^;  dorsal  and  anal 
rays  not  produced,  their  tips  scarcely  reaching  base  of  caudal;  pec- 
toral 1^3  in  head;  ventral  if,  their  tips  not  reaching  vent;  least  depth 
of  caudal  peduncle  z\  in  head,  its  length  being  about  \  greater  than 
its  depth. 

Color  brownish,  six  indistinct  dark  bands  on  sides;  a  dark  lateral 
band  which  ends  in  a  black  spot  at  base  of  caudal;  fins  all  plain. 
Length  7  inches  or  over. 

210.  Cichlasoma  nebulifer   (Giinther). 

Chromis  nebulifer  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1860,  318; 
Mexico. 

Her os  nebulifer  Gunther,  Cat.,  iv,  297,  1860;  Mexico. 

Cichlasoma  nebuliferun  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1898,  1524. 

Eastern  lowland  streams  of  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuantepec.  (San 
Juan  Evangelista.) 

Head  3! ;  depth  2%;  D.  xvn  or  xvm,  10  or  n;  A.  vi,  8  or  9;  scales 
6-36-11.  Body  elongate,  much  compressed;  profile  much  curved,  its 
anterior  half  very  steep ;  mouth  small,  subinferior,  maxillary  4  in  head ; 
mandible  3^;  lips  moderately  thick,  the  lower  with  a  broad  frenum; 
jaws  equal,  the  anterior  teeth  rather  strong;  about  5  rows  of  embedded 
scales  on  the  cheeks;  preorbital  2^  in  head;  postorbital  2^;  inter- 
orbital  very  convex,  2  %  in  head ;  diameter  of  eye  4  in  head ;  dorsal  spines 
rather  high,  eighth  2^  in  head,  the  last  spine  2^5 ;  middle  rays  of  dor- 
sal not  produced,  their  tips  reaching  base  of  caudal;  pectoral  \\  in 
head;  ventral  rays  not  produced,  their  tips  not  reaching  to  first  anal 
spine ;  ventral  i  ^  in  head ;  caudal  fin  truncate ;  least  depth  of  caudal 
peduncle  2^  in  head,  its  length  about  %  greater  than  its  depth. 


FAMILY  XXI.     CICHLID^;.  221 

Color  light  olivaceous,  sides  with  about  6  indistinct  vertical  bands; 
side  with  a  dark  lateral  band  on  middle  of  side,  ending  in  a  large  black 
caudal  spot;  fins  rather  dark  and  without  spots  or  any  markings. 
Length  about  14  inches. 

NOTE.  —  The  two  following  descriptions  are  too  brief  to  indicate 
their  position  in  the  preceding  list. 

Cichlasoma  deppii  (Heckel). 

Herosdeppii  Heckel,  Brasil.  Fluss-Fische,  382,  1840;  Mexico:  Gunther,  Cat., 
iv,  29,  1862. 

Cichlasoma  deppii  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  1524. 

Head  3^;  depth  3;  D.  xvn,  10;  A.  vi,  8;  scales  17-30.  Lower  lip  with  a 
frenum;  6  rows  of  scales  on  the  cheek;  dorsal  spines  4  in  head. 

Color  brownish;  tail  with  6  obsolete  dark  cross  bands,  the  last  with  a  black 
spot.  (Heckel.) 

Cichlasoma  montezuma  (Heckel). 

Heros  montezuma  Heckel,  Brazil.  Fluss-Fische,  1840,  383;  Mexico:  Gunther, 

Cat.,  iv,  296,  1862. 
Cichlasoma  moniezuma  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

1896,  1518. 

D.  xvi,  ii  ;  A.  v,  ?;  scales  30.  Lower  lip  with  a  frenum;  5  rows  of  scales  on 
the  cheek;  body  with  6  dark  cross  bands,  the  last  around  root  of  caudal  and 
marked  with  a  black  spot.  (Heckel.) 

82.     Neetroplus  Gunther. 

Neetroplus  Gunther,  Fish.  Cent.  America,  469.,  1869.  (Type,  Neetro- 
plus nematops  Gunther.) 

This  genus  differs  from  Cichlasoma  chiefly  in  having  anteriorly  a 
row  of  flat,  incisor-like  teeth,  behind  which  is  a  band  of  villiform  teeth. 

In  the  numerous  specimens  of  Neetroplus  carpintis  examined  by 
me,  the  incisor-like  teeth  are  not  always  evident,  which  indicates 
some  doubt  as  to  the  validity  of  the  genus. 

211.  Neetroplus  carpintis  Jordan  &  Snyder. 

Neetroplus  carpintis  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
1900,  146,  fig.  22;  Laguna  de  Carpinte,  Tampico;  Rio  Verde 
Rascon:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1900, 


Lowland  streams  of  northeastern  Mexico,  Rio  Panuco  to  the  Rio 
Grande,  abundant.  (San  Juan;  Linares;  Garza  Valdez;  La  Cruz; 
Santa  Engracia;  Victoria;  Forlon;  Valles.) 

Head  3;  depth  if  to  2;  D.  xvi,  10;  A.  v,  8  or  9;  scales  7-33-12. 
Body  deep,  much  compressed;  profile  convex,  quite  steep;  interorbital 
convex,  2^"  in  head;  mouth  moderate,  maxillary  3^  in  head;  man- 
dible 2%;  preorbital  2|;  postorbital  2^;  snout  2f;  diameter  of  eye 
4%  in  head;  jaws  equal;  outer  series  of  teeth  enlarged,  some  being 
more  or  less  incisor  -like  ;  lips  thick,  the  lower  with  a  narrow,  well  devel- 
oped frenum;  cheeks  with  about  5  rows  of  scales;  eighth  dorsal  spine 


222  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

2  in  head,  the  last  spine  i^;  middle  rays  of  dorsal  and  anal  fins  pro- 
duced, their  tips  in  females  reaching  about  middle  of  caudal,  in 
the  larger  males  to  within  y^  of  tip  of  caudal;  pectoral  fin  !>£  in 
head ;  ventral  fins  produced,  their  tips  reaching  base  of  third  anal  spine, 
the  fin  being  slightly  longer  than  the  head;  caudal  fin  rounded; 
least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2  in  head,  its  length  i^  in  its  depth. 

Color  dark  brownish,  about  5  dark  vertical  bands  on  posterior 
half  of  the  body;  a  black  caudal  spot  about  %  of  which  is  above  the 
lateral  line ;  soft  dorsal,  soft  anal  and  caudal  fin  with  some  transparent 
blotches;  a  few  dark  spots  about  X  size  °f  pupil  on  upper  anterior 
half  of  body,  a  few  smaller  dark  dots  on  cheek  and  preorbital  areas; 
under  side  of  head,  breast,  base  of  pectoral  and  ventrals  nearly  black. 

The  larger  males  (9  inches  in  length)  have  a  well  developed  nuchal 
hump.  Length  about  12  inches. 

83.     Thorichthys  gen.  nov. 

Type,  Thorichthys  ellioti  Meek. 

Body  deep,  much  compressed;  mouth  rather  small;  caudal  fin 
lunate,  its  outer  rays  produced  into  a  filament;  pectoral  fin  long  and 
pointed,  about  as  long  or  longer  than  head;  subopercle  with  a  black 
blotch,  otherwise  as  in  Cichlasoma.  (0pwffxa>y  to  leap,  ^0^?,  fish.) 

On  all  specimens  of  this  group  collected  by  me  there  is  no  trace  of 
a  nuchal  hump.  Individuals  of  the  two  species  here  listed  from 
southern  Mexico  are  not  large,  as  none  of  those  collected  by  me  exceeds 
a  length  of  6  inches.  These  two  species  are  very  variable,  though 
they  represent  a  quite  distinct  type  of  Cichlids.  The  following  species 
from  Mexico  and  Central  America  apparently  belong  to  this  group  : 

Thorichthys  aureus  (Gunther),  Rio  Motagua  and  at  Yzabel,  Guate- 
mala. 

Thorichthys  afjinis  (Gunther),  Lake  Peten,  Guatemala. 

Thorichthys  fredrichsthali  (Heckel),  Rio  San  Juan,  Nicaragua. 

Thorichthys  rostratus  (Gill  &  Bransford),  Lake  Nicaragua. 

Thorichthys  longimanus  (Gunther),  Lake  Nicaragua. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  THORICHTHYS. 

a.    Dorsal  spines  high,  longest  i£  to  2  in  head;  PAGE 

cheeks  with  small  blue  spots. helleri     223 

aa.  Dorsal  spines  lower,  the  longest  2f  in  head; 
cheeks  with  black  spots,  some  of  which  are 
large  as  pupil ellioti     223 


FAMILY  XXI.     CICHLID^;.  223 

212.  Thorichthys  helleri   (Steindachner). 

Heros  helleri  Steindachner,  Chromiden  Mexicos,  1864,  8;  Rio  Teapa, 
Tabasco,  Mexico. 

Cichlasoma  helleri  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1896,  1521. 

Heros  maculipinnis  Steindachner,  Chromiden  Mexicos,  1864,  13; 
Rio  Zanopa,  Mexico:  B.  A.  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1892, 
541;  Santa  Maria,  Vera  Cruz:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  1529. 

Lowland  streams  of  Mexico  which  empty  into  the  Gulf  south  of  the 
city  of  Vera  Cruz.  (Otopa ;  El  Hule ;  Obispo ;  Perez ;  San  Juan  Evan- 
gelista.) 

Head  2^;  depth  2  to  2^;  D.  xvi  or  xvii,  9;  A.  vn  or  vin-y  or  8; 
scales  6-30,  12.  '  Body  rather  deep,  much  compressed;  mouth  mod- 
erate, maxillary  3^3  in  head ;  lips  rather  thick,  the  lower  with  a  frenum ; 
jaws  equal,  outer  series  of  teeth  little  enlarged;  preorbital  3  to  3^  in 
head;  postorbital  2%;  interorbital  3;  diameter  of  eye  3>£  in  head; 
cheeks  with  about  5  rows  of  scales;  eighth  dorsal  spine  2^  in  head;  last 
dorsal  spine  if  to  2;  middle  rays  of  soft  dorsal  and  anal  produced 
into  a  filament  which  extends  about  to  or  past  middle  of  caudal  fin; 
pectoral  fin  long  and  slender,  pointed,  its  length  equal  to  that  of 
head;  ventrals  with  their  tips  produced,  reaching  base  of  sixth  anal 
spine,  their  length  slightly  more  than  the  length  of  head;  caudal  fin 
lunate,  the  tips  of  outer  rays  produced  into  short  filaments;  least 
depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2$  in  the  head;  its  length  if  in  its  depth; 
gill  rakers  short,  about  12  on  first  gill  arch. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  sides  with  6  rather  indistinct  dark  cross-bars; 
a  black  blotch  on  third  band  below  lateral  line  and  at  extremity  of 
pectoral  fin ;  a  black  blotch  on  opercle  in  front  of  pectoral  fin ;  side  of 
head  with  a  few  small  blue  spots,  occasionally  a  few  dark  dots  with 
blue  centers;  blue  spots  on  soft  dorsal,  soft  anal,  and  caudal  fin;  mem- 
brane of  spinous  dorsal  slightly  lighter  near  its  tip.  Length  about  6 
inches. 

These  little  fishes  are  exceedingly  numerous  in  small  isolated 
ponds,  especially  where  there  is  a  considerable  amount  of  vegetation. 
They  are  attracted  by  anything  which  enters  the  water  and  will  jump 
out  of  it  in  an  apparently  playful  mood.  Where  abundant  they  are 
easily  caught  in  the  hand,  for  as  soon  as  your  fingers  touch  the  water 
they  will  come  leaping  toward  you. 

213.  Thorichthys  ellioti  sp.  nov. 

Type,  No.  4727,  F.  C.  M.,  5^  inches  in  length;  Motzorongo, 
Vera  Cruz. 


224 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM— ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


Head  2f ;  depth  2^  to  2>£;  D.  xvi  or  xvn,  8;  A.  vii  to  ix,  6  or  7 ; 
scales  7-30-13.  Body  rather  elongate,  compressed;  profile  nearly 
straight  to  nape,  more  curved  from  nape  to  first  dorsal  spine;  mouth 
rather  small,  maxillary  3^3  in  head;  jaws  equal,  outer  series  of  teeth 


FIG.  72.   THORICHTHYS  ELLIOTI  Meek. 


little  enlarged;  lips  thick,  the  lower  with  a  frenum;  preorbital  3  in 
head;  postorbital  2J^;  diameter  of  eye  3$  in  the  head;  eighth  dorsal 
spine  2^  in  head;  last  spine  2§ ;  middle  rays  of  dorsal  produced  in 
adults,  their  tips  reaching  to  or  past  middle  of  caudal  fin;  pectoral 
long  and  rather  slender,  its  length  i%  in  head;  ventral  with  its  rays 
produced,  their  tips  reaching  sixth  anal  spine;  length  of  ventral  ij 
in  head;  caudal  fin  lunate,  its  outer  ray  usually  produced  into  a  short 
filament;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  2f  in  head,  its  length 
slightly  less  than  its  depth;  gill  rakers  very  short,  about  12  on  first  gill 
arch. 

Color  dark  olivaceous,  sides  with  6  indistinct  cross-bars;  a  black 
blotch  on  side  below  lateral  line  at  extremity  of  pectoral  fin ;  no  black 
caudal  spot;  a  black  blotch  on  opercle  just  in  front  of  pectoral  fin; 
cheeks  with  black  spots,  some  of  which  have  blue  centers;  some  of 
these  spots  as  large  as  the  pupil;  many  of  the  scales  on  lower  half 
of  the  sides  have  dark  centers  forming  lateral  stripes  along  the  rows  of 
scales;  a  few  transparent  spots  on  the  soft  dorsal,  soft  anal,  and  caudal 
fin;  a  light  stripe  near  tip  of  spinous  dorsal,  a  similar  one  on  anal. 

This  species  differs  from  Thorichthys  helleri  chiefly  in  having  a 
darker  color,  and  in  having  the  large  black  spots  on  the  side  of  the 
head;  the  dorsal  fin  is  also  lower,  and  the  fish  is  more  elongate. 


FAM.  XXI.   CICHLID^E.         FAM.  XXII.   GOBIID^E.  225 

Named  for  Professor  D.  G.  Elliot,  Curator  of  the  Department  of 
Zoology,  Field  Columbian  Museum,  whose  kind  interest  and  coop- 
eration have  much  aided  and  encouraged  the  writer  in  the  preparation 
of  this  paper. 

Family  XXII.     Gobiidse. 
THE  GOBIES;  "ABOMAS." 

Body  oblong  or  elongate,  naked  or  covered  with  ctenoid  or  cycloid 
scales;  teeth  usually  small;  premaxillaries  protractile;  suborbital 
without  bony  stay;  opercle  unarmed;  preopercle  unarmed  or  with  a 
short  spine;  pseudobranchiae  present;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth; 
gill  membranes  united  to  the  isthmus ;  no  lateral  line ;  dorsal  fins  con- 
nected or  not;  ventral  fins  close  together,  separate,  or  completely 
united,  when  united  forming  a  sucking  disk,  a  cross  fold  of  skin  at 
their  base  completing  the  cup ;  no  pyloric  cceca ;  usually  no  air  bladder. 
Carnivorous  fishes  usually  of  small  size  living  on  the  bottoms  near 
shores  in  warm  regions ;  some  live  in  fresh  water. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA  OF  GOBIIDyE. 

a.    Ventral  fins  separate,  the  rays  1,5;  body  scaly.  PAGE 

b.    Vomer  with  a  broad  patch  of  villiform  teeth; 

skull  above  with  conspicuous  ridges Philypnus     226 

bb.  Vomer  without  teeth,  skull  without  crests, 
c.    Body  short,  rather  deep;  scales  large,  less 

than  40  in  the  lateral  series Dormitator     227 

cc.  Body  long  and  slender;  scales  small,  more 

than  40  in  the  lateral  series Eleotris     228 

aa.  Ventral   fins   united,   forming   a   sort   of   disk 

which  is  free  from  the  belly, 
d.     Maxillary  normal,  not  produced  behind  the 
oval    opening;  supraoccipital    and    temporal 
.    ridges    continuous;     scales    ctenoid;     dorsal 

spines  6. 
f .    Inner  edge  of  shoulder  girdle  without  fleshy 

dermal  flaps;  preorbital  region  short Gobius     229 

ff.  Inner  edge  of  shoulder  girdle  with  2  or  3 

dermal  flaps;  preorbital  region  very  long.  .Chonophorus     232 
dd.  Maxillary    much    produced    backward,    ex- 
tending  beyond   gill   opening   in   the  adult; 
supraorbital    and    temporal    crests  not  con- 
tinuous;  scales   cycloid Gillichthys     234. 


226  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Subfamily  Eleotridinse. 

84.     Phily pirns  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

METAPIL. 

Philypnus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  xn,  255,  1837. 
Type,  Gobiomorus  dormitor  Lacepede. 

Body  elongate,  terete  anteriorly,  compressed  posteriorly;  head 
elongate,  much  depressed  above;  mouth  large,  lower  jaw  much  pro- 
jecting; teeth  in  jaws  small,  slender,  recurved,  the  outer  scarcely 
enlarged;  teeth  on  vomer  villiform.in  a  broad,  crescent-shaped  patch; 
gill  openings  extencrmg  forward  to  below  posterior  angle  of  mouth; 
the  isthmus  very  narrow;  scales  ctenoid,  covering  most  of  the  head; 
no  preopercular  spine;  ventral  fins  separate,  the  rays  1,5. 

214.  Philypnus  dormitor  (Lacepede).     METAPIL. 

Gobiomorus  dormitor  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  n,   599,   1798; 

Martinique. 

Eleotris  dormitatrix  Giinther,  Cat.,  in,  119,  1861;  Mexico. 
Philypnus  dormitor  Girard,  Mex.  Bd.  Sur.,  29,  pi.  xn,  fig.  13,  1859; 
mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande:  Gill,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
1860,   122;  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande:  Jordan  &   Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  2194:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull. 
U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,   1900,   147;  lagoons  near  Tampico:  Meek, 
Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.,  65,  1902,  120;  La  Antigua. 
Philypnus  lateralis  Gill,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1860,  123; 
Cape  San  Lucas:  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1895,  493;  Rio 
Presidio  and  Astillero:  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1896,  264; 
fresh  water  at  San  Jose  del  Cabo,  Lower  California;  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  2195;  Rio  Presidio, 
near  Mazatlan,  Mexico. 
Gobiomorus  donyitator  B.  A.  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898, 

542;  Dominica  and  Santa  Maria,  Vera  Cruz. 

Fresh  water  streams  of  tropical  America,  from  Tamaulipas  and 
Sonora  to  Panama,  not  found  on  the  Mexican  plateau.  (Santa  Engracia ; 
Forlon;  Valles;  Rascon;  San  Francisco;  Boca  del  Rio;  Motzorongo; 
Obispo;  Perez;  Tehuantepec;  La  Vega,  Tamaulipas  [Evermann]). 

Head  2f  to  3;  depth  5  to  5^;  D.  vi-io;  A.  1,9;  scales  50  to  60. 
Body  elongate,  compressed  posteriorly;  head  long,  much  depressed; 
mouth  large,  lower  jaw  projecting;  interorbital  area  nearly  flat,  its 
width  4  in  head;  maxillary  2f  to  2^  in  head,  its  tip  reaching  vertical 
from  pupil;  teeth  on  jaws  in  a  band,  depressible;  diameter  of  eye  6  to 
7  in  head;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2^4  in  body; 
pectoral  1^3  in  head;  ventral  2%  in  head;  scales  on  entire  body  except 


FAMILY  XXII.     GOBIID^;.  227 

end  of  snout;  those  on  anterior  part  of  the  body  smaller  than  those 
on  the  posterior  part. 

Color  dark  brownish  above,  lighter  below;  an  interrupted  dark 
lateral  band,  in  specimens  a  foot  or  more  in  length  obsolete;  anal  and 
ventral  fins  pale,  the  other  fins  dusky  and  distinctly  mottled ;  spinous 
dorsal  margined  with  blackish;  head  often  with  dark  spots.  Length 
2  feet  or  more. 

Philypnus  lateralis  is  said  to  differ  from  Philypnus  dormitor  in 
brighter  color  and  the  more  distinct  lateral  band ;  young  specimens  in 
our  collection  from  La  Antigua  have  as  distinct  a  lateral  band  as  do 
specimens  of  the  same  size  from  Tehuantepec. 

85.    Dormitator  Gill. 

PUNECAS. 

Dormitator  Gill,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.   Phila.,  1862,  240.      (Type, 
Dormitator  gundlachi  Gill.) 

Body  robust,  somewhat  compressed;  head  broad  and  flat  above; 
mouth  little  oblique,  lower  jaw  little  projecting;  teeth  in  jaws,  none 
on  vomer;  lower  pharyngeal  teeth  stiff  and  blunt,  the  bones  with  a 
broad, flexible,  and  lamelliform  rudimentary  gill  filament;  scales  large, 
ctenoid ;  no  preopercular  spine ;  supraoccipital  crest  low. 

215.  Dormitator  maculatus  (Bloch).    GUAVINA;  PUNECAS;  PARGETA; 

LA  PAPEQUE. 

Sciczna  maculata  Bloch,  Ichth.,  pi.  299,  fig.  2,  1790,  West  Indies. 
Eleotris  sima  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  232,  1837; 

Vera  Cruz. 

Eleotris  maculata  Gunther,  Cat.,  in,  112,  1861. 
Eleotris  somnolentus  Girard,  Proc.  Acad. .Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1858,  169; 

near  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande. 

Dormitator  maculatus  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1895,  493  i  Ri° 
Presidio,  near  Mazatlan:  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1896, 
265  ;  Rio  San  Jose,  San  Jose  del  Cabo,  Lower  California :  Jordan 
&  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  2196. 
West  Indies,  both  coasts  of  America  from  South  Carolina  and  Cape 
San  Lucas  to  Panama  and  Para.      (Boca  del  Rio;  El  Hule;   Obispo; 
Perez.) 

Head  3^";  depth  3^;  D.  vn-i,  8;  A.  i,  9  or  10;  scales  10-30. 
Body  robust,  somewhat  compressed,  profile  much  decurved;  head 
broad,  interorbital  nearly  flat,  if  in  head;  snout  bluntish;  mouth 
terminal,  oblique,  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin 
of  orbit;  teeth  in  jaws  villiform,  in  bands;  no  teeth  on  vomer;  eye  4 


228  FI^LD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

in  head;  origin  of  dorsal  fin  slightly  nearer  last  ray  of  soft  dorsal,  2^ 
in  body;  pectoral  nearly  equaling  length  of  head;  ventral  ij/j  in  head; 
caudal  fin  rounded;  least  depth  of  caudal  peduncle  ig  in  head. 

Color  brownish;  sides  with  8  or  9  light  irregular  bars  running 
downward  and  slightly  forward;  a  dark  humeral  blotch;  a  dark  bar 
on  base  of  pectoral ;  a  dark  streak  below  eye  to  posterior  angle  of  the 
mouth ;  2  to  4  dark  bands  from  eye  and  below  eye  to  posterior  margin 
of  preopercle;  vertical  fins  more  or  less  spotted  with  darker;  haired 
fins  without  blotches.  Length  i  to  2  feet. 

This  species  usually  inhabits  salt  or  brackish  water. 

86.     Eleotris  Bloch  &  Schneider. 

Eleotris  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  65,  1801.    (Type,  Gobius 
pisonis  Gmelin.) 

Body  elongate,  slender,  compressed  posteriorly;  head  long,  flat- 
tened above,  without  spines  or  crests,  and  almost  entirely  scaly ;  mouth 
large,  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  lower  pharyngeals  rather 
broad,  the  teeth  small,  bluntish;  preopercle  with  a  small  concealed 
spine  below,  its  tip  hooked  forward;  eyes  small, high,  anterior;  isthmus 
broad ;  ventral  fins  separate,  rays  1,5;  scales  moderate,  mostly  ctenoid, 
45  to  60  in  the  lateral  series;  vertebra?  about  26. 

A  small  group  of  fishes  inhabiting  warm  seas;  a  few  enter  fresh 
water. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  ELEOTRIS.     . 
a.    Teeth  subequal,  those  of  the  inner  or  outer  series  PAGE 

enlarged;  scales  all  ctenoid pisonis     228 

aa.  Teeth  all  equal;  scales  of  dorsal  and  ventral 

regions  cycloid,  those  on  sides  ctenoid pictus     229 

216.  Eleotris  pisonis  (Gmelin).     GUAVINA  TETARD;  SLEEPER. 

Gobius  pison is Gmelin,  Syst.  Nat.,  1206,  1788  (based  on  Eleotris 
capite  plagioplateo  of  Gronow;  after  Marcgrave  &  Piso,  Hist. 
Brasil.,  iv,  166,  1648;  Brazil). 
Eleotris  pisonis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1898,  2200. 

Streams  of  the  West  Indies  and  of  Tropical  America,  from  southern 
Florida  to  Brazil.  (Vera  Cruz;  Boca  del  Rio.) 

Head  3  to  3^;  depth  4^;  D.  vi-i,  8;  A.  i,  8;  scales  60.  Body 
elongate,  not  much  compressed;  head  depressed,  flat;  interorbital 
area  3  in  head;  mouth  large,  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  the 
pupil ;  lower  jaw  projecting;  snout  5  in  head;  jaws  with  bands  of  villi- 
form  teeth,  none  on  vomer  and  palatines;  eye  5K  m  head;  top  of 
head,  opercle,  and  cheeks  covered  with  scales;  a  stout,  concealed  spine 


FAMILY  XXII.     GOBIID^;.  229 

projecting  downward  on  edge  of  preopercle;  distance  from  origin  of 
dorsal  to  tip  of  snout  2^  in  the  body. 

Color  brownish;  fins  with  dark  spots  and  wavy  lines;  ventrals 
dusky;  two  dark  stripes  behind  orbit.  Length  6  or  7  inches. 

217.  Eleotris  pictus  Kner  &  Steindachner.     GUAVINA. 

Eleotris  pictus  Kner  &  Steindachner,  Abh.  Wiss.  Wien,  1864,  pi. 
3,  fig.  i ;  Rio  Bayano,  near  Panama. 

Culius  cequideus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 
461 ;  Rio. Presidio,  near  Mazatlan. 

Eleotris  pictus  Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1896,  265  ;  fresh  waters 
at  San  Jose  del  Cabo,  Lower  California:  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  2201. 

Streams  of  the  Pacific  coast  from  Sonora  to  Panama. 

Head  3  to  3^;  depth  6;  D.  vi-i,  7  or  8;  A.  i,  7  or  8;  scales  60. 
Body  elongate,  depressed  anteriorly;  head  especially  very  broad  and 
flat;  mouth  large,  broad,  very  oblique;  the  maxillary  reaching  nearly 
or  quite 'to  opposite  posterior  margin  of  the  eye,  its  length  2^  to  2^ 
in  head;  lower  jaw  considerably  projecting;  teeth  in  jaws  equal,  in 
broad  bands,  the  outer  series  not  all  enlarged;  eye  small,  anterior,  6 
in  head;  scales  on  head  mostly  cycloid,  very  small,  covering  cheek 
and  opercles  and  upper  part  of  the  head  to  the  eyes ;  scales  on  dorsal 
and  ventral  regions  cycloid,  those  on  sides  mostly  ctenoid;  preoper- 
cular  spine  well  developed,  strong,  compressed,  directed  downward 
and  forward. 

Color  dark,  dull  olivaceous  brown,  paler  below;  young  mottled 
with  bluish  and  speckled  with  brown;  sides  without  longitudinal 
stripes;  fins  dusky,  all  of  them  finely  mottled  and  speckled  with 
darker,  the  dark  markings  on  dorsal  and  anal  forming  undulated 
dark  bars.  Length  about  18  inches.  (Jordan  &  Evermann.) 

Subfamily  Gobiinse. 
87.     Gobius  Linnasus. 

Gobius  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  x,  262,  1758.     (Type,  Gobius  niger 

Linnaeus.) 
Gobionellus  Girard,  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1858,  168.     (Type, 

Gobionellus  hastatus  Girard.) 
Ctenogobius  Gill,  Fish.  Trinidad,    374,   1858.      (Type,  Cienogobius 

fasciatus  Gill.) 

Body  oblong  or  elongate,  compressed  behind;  head  oblong,  more 
or  less  depressed;  mouth  moderate;  teeth  conical,  on  jaws  only,  in 
several  series,  the  outer  row  enlarged;  no  canines;  eyes  high,  an- 


230  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

terior,  and  close  together;  opercles  without  spines;  isthmus  broad; 
shoulder  girdle  without  fleshy  flaps;  scales  ctenoid,  covering  the  body; 
cheeks  usually  without  scales;  ventral  fins  completely  united,  not 
adnate  to  the  belly;  skull  depressed,  abruptly  widened  behind  the 
eyes,  and  without  median  keel. 

A  large  group  of  small  fishes  usually  found  along  the  shores  in  salt 
or  brackish  water,  few  species  entering  fresh  water. 
/ 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  GOBIUS. 

a.    Scales  large,  less  than  45  in  the  lateral  series.  PAGE 

b.    Scales   large,   30  in   the   lateral   series;   soft 

dorsal  rays  1 1 ;  anal  rays  12 - .  parvus     230 

bb.  Scales  smaller,  42  in  the  lateral  series;  soft 

dorsal  rays  12 ;  anal  rays  13 claytoni     231 

aa.  Scales  very  small,  62  in  the  lateral  series;  soft 

dorsal  rays  13  ;   anal  rays  14 microdon     231 

Subgenus  Otenogobius  Gill. 

218.  Qobius  parvus  Meek.     SMALL  GOBY. 

Gobius  parvus  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  121;  La  An- 
tigua. 

Brackish  water  near  the  city  of  Vera  Cruz.  (Vera  Cruz ;  Boca  del 
Rio.) 

Head  4;  depth  4^ ;  D.  vi-n;  A.  12;  scales  30.  Body  short, 
robust;  head  large;  snout  blunt,  rounded,  4^  m  head;  mouth  sub- 
inferior,  little  oblique,  its  gape  extending  to  vertical  from  pupil;  inter- 
drbital  area  narrow,  its  width  less  than  half  the  diameter  of  the  eye ; 
eye  small,  partly  superior,  3K  m  head;  dorsal  fins  not  connected,  the 
spinous  dorsal  of  females  low,  longest  spine  a  little  more  than  half 
head;  in  male  the  dorsal  spine  %  to  %  longer  than  head;  caudal  fin 
long  and  pointed,  its  length  3  (5)  to  3^  ($)  in  body;  pectoral 
slightly  less  than  length  of  head ;  ventral  i  \  in  head ;  scales  ctenoid. 

Color  dark  olivaceous,  mottled  with  darker;  a  dark  bar  on  dorsal 
region  from  base  of  posterior  half  of  spinous  dorsal,  followed  by  three 
others  from  base  of  soft  dorsal  and  one  on  caudal  peduncle;  5  or  6 
narrow  dark  streaks  on  lower  half  of  sides,  extending  downward  and 
forward  to  base  of  anal ;  two  black  spots  at  base  of  caudal  fin ;  dorsal 
fins  of  both  sexes  barred;  caudal  fin  of  females  with  narrow  dark 
bars;  none  on  males;  anal  fin  with  dark  margin.  Length  about  3.50 
inches. 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN   MUSEUM. 


PLATE  XVII,  ZOOLOGY. 


GOBIUS  PARVUS  Meek. 
No.  3738,  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


GOBIUS  CLAYTONI  Meek. 
No.  3740.  Field  Columbian  Museum. 


FAMILY  XXII.     GOBIID^;.  231 

Subgenus  GrobionellllS  Girard. 

219.  Gobius  claytoni  Meek.     CLAYTON'S  GOBY. 

Gobius  claytoni  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  121;  La 
Antigua. 

Fresh  and  brackish  waters  on  coast  of  Vera  Cruz.  (Vera  Cruz;  San 
Francisco;  Boca  del  Rio.) 

Head  3^3;  depth  5^;  D.  vi-i2;  A.  13;  scales  15-42.  Body  elon- 
gate, subterete,  and  tapering  to  caudal;  head  moderate;  snout  very 
blunt;  mouth  terminal,  broad,  its  gape  horizontal;  interorbital  width 
less  than  half  diameter  of  the  pupil ;  diameter  of  eye  equaling  length  of 
snout,  3%  in  head;  no  scales  on  dorsal  surface  between  spinous  dorsal 
and  nape;  spinous  dorsal  low,  the  longest  spine  about  2  in  head; 
caudal  fin  long  and  pointed,  its  middle  rays  the  longest,  about  % 
longer  than  head;  pectoral  i%  in  head;  ventral  i^'.  scales  ctenoid; 
breast  and  region  under  ventrals  without  scales. 

Color  light  olivaceous,  somewhat  reticulated  above;  side  with  5 
oblong  dark  blotches,  the  last  and  smallest  one  forming  a  black  caudal 
spot;  spinous  and  soft  dorsals  barred;  caudal  fin  barred;  the  middle 
portion  of  the  ventrals,  except  a  small  central  light  patch,  blackish; 
some  black  on  posterior  half  of  anal  fin ;  a  narrow  dark  curved  streak 
at  base  of  pectoral  fin ;  a  dark  stripe  on  cheek  and  one  downward  and 
'forward  from  eye.  Length  about  3  inches. 

220.  Gobius  microdon  Gilbert. 

Gobius  microdon  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1891,  554;  San 
Juan  Lagoon,  north  of  Rio  Ahome,  Mexico:  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  2227. 

Known  only  from  the  type  locality. 

.  Head  4%',  depth  5;  D.  vi-i3;  A.  14;  scales  62.  Body  and  head 
compressed,  everywhere  deeper  than  wide;  snout  blunt;  mouth  low, 
terminal,  nearly  horizontal;  the  lower  jaw  very  weak,  broadly  rounded 
anteriorly;  maxillary  reaching  vertical  from  hinder  margin  of  pupil, 
about  2  in  head ;  teeth  minute,  those  in  the  upper  jaw  in  a  single  series ; 
teeth  in  lower  jaw  in  two  series,  the  outer  somewhat  enlarged;  inter- 
orbital  space  narrow,  less  than  diameter  of  the  pupil;  isthmus  wide, 
the  gill  openings  extending  but  little  below  the  base  of  the  pectorals ; 
scales  small,  cycloid  anteriorly  and  on  belly,  becoming  larger  poste- 
riorly ;  scales  ctenoid  on  sides  behind  middle  of  spinous  dorsal ;  belly 
wholly  scaled;  nape  scaled  forward  nearly  to  orbits,  but  with  a  narrow 
median  naked  streak  running  back  to  front  of  dorsal ;  breast  and  sides 
of  head  naked ;  dorsal  fins  not  connected,  first  4  spines  filamentous,  the 
longest  longer  than  the  head;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  not  high. 


232  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Color  nearly  uniform  light  olive,  with  minute  darker  punctulations, 
which  sometimes  form  darker  margins  to  the  scales ;  an  oblique  dusky 
streak  on  opercle ;  3  or  4  oblique  obscure  dark  cross-bars  on  spinous 
dorsal  and  4  or  5  on  caudal  peduncle;  ventral  with  white  pigment. 
Length  about  2  inches. 

88.     Choiiophorus  Poey. 

Chonophorus  Poey,  Memorias,  n,  274,  1861.  (Type,  Gobius  taiasica 
Lichtenstein.) 

Body  elongate,  compressed  posteriorly;  head  large,  preorbital 
region  very  long;  mouth  large,  nearly  horizontal;  inner  edge  of 
shoulder  girdle  with  2  or  more  conspicuous  dermal  flaps;  premaxillary 
and  maxillary  strong;  lips  thick;  scales  small,  ctenoid;  interorbital 
groove  with  a  conspicuous  median  crest;  ventrals  united,  not  adnate 
to  the  belly. 

A  group  of  fishes  which  inhabit  the  fresh  waters  of  Tropical  Amer- 
ica and  the  Hawaiian  Islands.  Some  of  the  species  reach  a  large  size. 
I  recognize  with  some  doubt  three  species  of  this  genus  in  Mexico. 

"KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  CHONOPHORUS. 

a.    Scales  large,  60  to  75  in  the  lateral  series.  PAGE 
b.    About  15  scales  in  a  series  between  second 

dorsal  and  base  of  anal nelsoni  232 

bb.  About  21  scales  in  a  series  between  second 

dorsal  and  base  of  anal .-..-. taiasica  233 

aa.  Scales  smaller,  24-76  to  80 mexicanus  233 

221.  Chonophorus  nelsoni  (Evermann). 

Awaous  nelsoni  Evermann,  Proc.  Biol.  Soc.  Wash.,  1898,  3;  fresh 
water  pools  at  Rosaria,  Sinaloa:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1896,  2235. 

Streams  of  Sinaloa. 

Head  3>£;  depth  6;  D,  vi-n;  A.  n;  scales  about  63.  Body 
oblong,  compressed;  head  large,  flat  above;  maxillary  reaching  ver- 
tical -from  posterior  margin  of  pupil;  teeth  on  bands  in  jaws,  some  of 
the  outer  a  little  enlarged;  eyes  moderate,  5^  in  head;  scales  small, 
ctenoid,  crowded  on  anterior  part  of  the  body;  about  15  scales  in  a 
series  between  soft  dorsal  and  anal  fin;  caudal  fin  rounded. 

Color  grayish;  head  mottled  and  blotched  with  dark;  side  with  7 
or  8  black  blotches,  the  largest  under  the  middle  of  the  pectoral  fin; 
dorsals  pale,  crossed  by  several  lines  of  black  spots;  caudal  pale,  with 


FAMILY  XXII.     GOBIID^;.  233 

6  or  7   dark  cross-bars;  ventral,  anal,  and  pectorals  pale.     Length 
about  4  inches.      (Evermann. ") 

222.  Chonophorus    taiasica    (Lichtenstein).      ABOMA    DE    Rio;    LA 

PUJEQUE;  MUCHURA. 

Gobius  taiasica  Lichtenstein,  Berl.  Abhandl.,  1822,  166;  Brazil. 
Gobius  dolichocephalus  Cope,   Trans.   Amer.   Philos.   Soc.   Phila., 

1869,  403  ;  near  Orizaba,  Mexico. 

Awaous  taiasica  Jordan,   Proc.    Cal.    Acad.    Sci.,  1895,   494'-   Ri° 

Presidio,    Mazatlan;    San    Jose    del    Cabo,    Lower    California: 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,   1898,  2236: 

Rutter,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1896,  265 ;  Rio  San  Jose,  San  Jose 

del'Cabo,  Lower  California:  Jordan  &  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 

Comm.,  1900,  147;  Rio  Ixtla,  Puente  de  Ixtla:  Meek,  Field  Col. 

Mus.  Pub.  65,  1902,  121 ;  La  Antigua;  Balsas;  Puente  de  Ixtla. 

Streams  of  the  West  Indies  and  of  the  American  continent  from 

Vera  Cruz  and  Mazatlan  to  Panama  and  Brazil.     It  does  not  occur 

on  the  Mexican  plateau.  (Cuautla;  Valles;  San  Francisco;  Perez.) 

Head  3%',  depth  5^;  D.  vi-n;  A.  n;  scales  60  to  75.  Body 
elongate,  not  much  compressed;  snout  much  decurved;  interorbital 
very  narrow,  somewhat  convex,  its  width  less  than  diameter  of  the 
eye;  preorbital  deep,  about  3  in  head;  mouth  large;  premaxillary 
scarcely  reaching  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of  orbit;  teeth  small, 
in  bands  on  jaws;  gill  membranes  broadly  united  to  the  isthmus; 
branchiostegals  4;  origin  of  dorsal  to  tip  of  snout  2%  in  body;  pec- 
torals long,  1^3  in  head;  scales  small,  ctenoid,  those  on  anterior  ^  of 
body  much  smaller  than  on  rest  of  the  body;  caudal  fin  rounded. 

Color  olivaceous,  with  irregular  dark  blotches  along  middle  of  the 
sides;  rest  of  body  above  reticulate  with  darker;  lower  third  of  body 
nearly  plain ;  dorsal  fins  and  caudal  barred ;  other  fins  plain ;  two  blue 
streaks  from  eye  to  maxillary  and  two  or  more  small  ones  on  cheek. 
Length  about  12  inches. 

A  food  fish  of  considerable  local  importance. 

223.  Chonophorus  rnexicanus   (Gunther). 

Gobius  mexicanus  Gunther,  Cat.,  in,  61,  1861;  Mexico. 

Awaous  mexicanus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1898,  2237. 

Distribution  not  known. 

Head  4;  depth  6f  ;•  D.  vi-i ;  A.  n;  scales  24-76  to  82.  Head  as 
broad  as  deep,  flat  above;  snout  elongate,  upper  profile  oblique;  mouth 
horizontal,  lower  jaw  included;  maxillary  reaching  to  below  anterior 
margin  of  the  eye;  teeth  of  outer  series  enlarged;  scales  small,  those 


234  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

on  the  nape  and  on  anterior  part  of  the  body  very  small ;  head  naked ; 
dorsal  fins  lower  than  depth  of  body;  caudal  fins  rounded. 

Color  yellowish  olive,  back  and  sides  reticulate  with  darker;  head, 
dorsal,  caudal  and  pectoral  fins  dotted  with  blackish;  6  cross  series  of 
dots  on  caudal ;  an  irregular,  small  blackish  spot  on  upper  part  of  base 
of  pectoral  (Gunther.) 

This  species  is  known  only  from  the  above  description. 

89.     Gillichthya  Cooper 

Gillichthys  Cooper,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1863,  109.  (Type,  Gil- 
licktnys  mirabilis  Cooper.) 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed,  covered  with  small 
cycloid  embedded  scales;  belly  and  head  naked;  scales  in  the  young 
more  or  less  ciliated;  eyes  almost  superior;  gape  wide,  the  maxillary 
in  the  adult  inordinately  developed,  prolonged  backward  to  the  base 
of  the  pectorals,  its  posterior  part  a  cartilaginous  expansion  connected 
to  an  expansion  of  the  skin  of  the  lower  jaw,  thus  forming  a  channel 
backward  from  the  mouth;  teeth  small,  even,  and  in  broad  bands; 
pectorals  large;  isthmus  broad. 

224.  Gillichthys  detrusus  Gilbert  &  Scofield.     LONG-JAWED  GOBY. 

Gillichthys  detrusus  Gilbert  &  Scofield,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1897, 
498,  pi.  38;  Horseshoe  Bend,  mouth  of  Colorado  River:  Jordan 
&  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1898,  2251. 

Known  only  from  the  lower  portion  of  the  Colorado  River. 

Head  3^;  depth  5;  D.  vi-i3;  A.  n;  scales  about  25-75.  Body 
robust,  somewhat  compressed  posteriorly;  head  large,  depressed; 
mouth  very  large,  the  maxillary  1^3  in  head;  mandible  1^3 ;  snout  4; 
interorbital  5^;  eye  small,  7  in  head;  dorsal  fins  not  connected,  the 
space  between  them  equaling  half  length  of  spinous  portion ;  pectoral 
1 2^  in  head;  the  post  frontals  small,  projecting  very  little;  least  depth 
of  caudal  peduncle  2^3  in  head. 

Color  a  very  pale  olive,  some  with  dark  punctulations  about  the 
head  and  fins ;  the  pale  coloration  probably  due  to  their  life  in  shallow 
water  on  the  bottom  of  pale  sand.  Length  about  5  inches. 

Family  XXIII.     SoleicUe. 
THE  SOLES. 

Body  oblong  or  elongate,  usually  scaly;  mouth  very  small,  more 
developed  on  eyed  side;  teeth  in  bands,  very  small  or  obsolete;  edge  of 
preopercle  adnate,  concealed  by  the  skin  and  scales;  gill  openings 
narrow,  the  membranes  adnate  to  the  shoulder  girdle  above ;  paired 


FAMILY  XXIII.     SOLEID^E.  235 

fins  small  or  wanting.  The  species  of  this  family  are  very  numerous 
in  the  warm  seas,  a  few  enter  brackish,  and  still  fewer  inhabit  fresh 
waters. 

Subfamily  Achirinse. 
9O.     Achirus  Lace"pede. 

Achirus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  iv,659,  1803.  (Type,  Achirus 
fasciatus  Lace"pede.) 

Baiostoma  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  413.  (Type,  Baiostoma 
brachiale  Bean.) 

Body  broad,  bluntly  rounded  anteriorly;  head  small;  eyes  small, 
close  together;  eyes  and  color  on  the  right  side;  mouth  small,  mostly 
developed  on  the  right  side;  teeth  small,  on  blind  side  only;  gill  open- 
ings narrow ;  scales  ctenoid ;  some  scales  on  head  and  anterior  part  of 
the  body  enlarged,  some  of  those  on  blind  side  with  hair-like  projec- 
tions; lateral  line  straight,  simple;  dorsal  fin  beginning  on  snout; 
ventral  rays  3  or  4,  the  fin  on  colored  side  connected  with  the  anal  by 
a  membrane. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  ACHIRUS. 

a.    Pectoral  fin  of  right  side  only  present.  PAGE 
b.     Pectoral  fin  with  4  rays;  depth  of  body  i% 

in  its  length;  scales  70  in  lateral  series mazatlanus  235 

bb.  Pectoral  fin  with  2  rays;    depth  of  body  if 

in  its  length;  scales  85  in  the  lateral  series fonsecensis  236 

aa.  Pectoral  fins  wholly  wanting;  scales  66  to  75 fasciatus  236 

Subgenus  Baiostoma  Bean. 
225.  Achirus  mazatlanus   (Steindachner).     MEXICAN    SOLE. 

Solea    mazatlana    Steindachner,    Ichth.    Notizen,    ix,    23,    1869; 

Mazatlan. 

Solea  pilosa  Peters,  Berliner  Monalsber.,  1869,  709;  Mazatlan. 
Achirus  mazatlanus  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1895;  Rio  Pre- 
sidio, Sinaloa:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1898,   2698;  Rio  Presidio,  Sinaloa. 
Streams  of  Mexico  which  empty  into  the  Pacific  Ocean. 
Head  3^3  ;  depth  i^;  D.  56;  A.  42;  scales  70.     Body  broad,  oval; 
eyes  small,  the  upper  in  advance  of  the  lower;  diameter  of  eye  7^  m 
head;  interorbital  %  diameter  of  the  eye;  nostril  in  a  tube,  placed  just 
above  the  middle  of  the  mouth;  pectoral  developed  on  the  eyed  side 
only,  with  about  4  rays;  origin  of  dorsal  on  tip  of  snout;  scales  of  right 
side  with  numerous  black  hair-like  appendages. 


236  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

Color  brownish,  with  8  or  9  narrow  vertical  black  bars;  fins  dark 
without  distinct  markings. 

226.  Achirus  fonsecensis   (Giinther). 

Solea  fonsecensis  Giinther,  Cat.,  iv,  475,  1862;  Gulf  of  Fonseca. 

Achirus  fonsecensis  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  1895,  230;  Rio 
Presidio,  Sinaloa:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  1898,  2699;  Rio  Presidio,  Sinaloa. 

Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America,  entering  rivers. 

Head  3X1  depth  if;  D.  58;  A.  44;  scales  about  85.  Body  oval; 
eyes  small,  the  upper  in  advance  of  the  lower;  interorbital  space  less 
than  diameter  of  eye;  no  trace  of  pectoral  on  left  side,  the  one  on 
right  side  small,  of  about  2  rays;  ventral  of  right  side  composed  of 
5  rays,  continuous  with  anal  fin;  scales  on  the  nape  twice  or  thrice  as 
large  as  those  on  the  body;  the  left  anterior  part  of  the  head  with 
numerous  tentacles;  the  right  lower  lip  with  distinct  slender  fringes; 
caudal  fin  rounded,  as  long  as  head. 

Color  brownish  olive,  with  six  pairs  of  deep  brown  vertical  lines, 
extending  on  dorsal  and  anal  fins. 

Subgenus  Achirus  Lacepede. 

227.  Achirus  fasciatus  Lacepede. 

Achirus  fasciatus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  iv,  659,  662,  1803; 
Charleston:  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  47,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1898,  2700. 

Solea  achirus  Giinther,  Cat.,  iv,  476,  1862. 

Atlantic  and  gulf  coasts  from  Cape  Ann  to  the  Isthmus  of  Tehuan- 
tepec;  ascending  rivers  to  a  considerable  distance  above  tide-water. 
(Perez.) 

Head  4;  depth  if;  D.  50  to  55  ;  A.  37  to  45  ;  scales  66  to  75.  Body 
broad,  elliptical;  mouth  small,  reaching  past  front  of  lower  eye;  lower 
lip  on  right  side  fringed;  eyes  very  small,  the  upper  slightly  in  ad- 
vance of  the  lower;  interorbital  space  with  scales;  head  and  body 
covered  with  strongly  ctenoid  scales :  on  blind  side  many  scales  on  and 
near  head  with  hair-like  appendages;  lateral  line  straight;  origin  of 
dorsal  fin  on  tip  of  snout;  no  pectoral  fins. 

Color,  eyed  side  dusky,  more  or  less  mottled,  with  7  or  8  narrow 
dark  vertical  streaks;  fins  with  black  spots,  blind  side  white.  Length 
about  5  or  6  inches. 


INDEX. 


VOLUME  V. 


PAGE 

Aboma  de  Rio 233 

Abomas 225 

Abramis 56 

Abramis  americanus :  .  57 

Abramis  chrysoleucus 57 

Abramis  crysoleucas , 57 

Acanthopteri 164 

Acara  bartoni 211 

Acara  rectangularis 216 

Achirinse 235 

Achirus 235,  236 

*  Achirus  fasciatus 235,  236 

Achirus  fonsecensis 236 

Achirus  mazatlanus 235 

achirus.      (Solea)    236 

Acomus  guzmaniensis 30 

Adinia  dugesii in 

Adinia  guatemalensis 103 

Adinia  pachycephalus 112 

adustus.      (Couesius) 82 

asneus.      (Tetragonopterus) 86 

aequidens.      (Culius) 229 

aestivalis.      (Gobio) 81 

aestivalis.      (Hybopsis) 81 

affinis.      (Amiurus) 1 1 

affinis.      (Gambusia)    130,  131 

affinis.      (Heterandria)    130 

affinis.      (Lucania) 109 

affinis.      (Pimelodus) 10 

affinis.      (Thorichthys) ' 222 

Agonostoma  globiceps 188 

Agonostoma  monticola  .  .  . ' 186 

Agonostoma  nasutum 187 

Agonostominae 186 

Agonostomus 186 

Agonostomus  monticola 186,  187 

Agonostomus  nasutus 187 

Agonostomus  telfairii 186 

Agosia 79 

Agosia  chrysogaster 80 

Agosia  oscula 80 

aguadulce.      (Galeichthys)    9 

albidus.    (Ptychostomus) 34 


PAGE 

album.      (Chirostoma) 180 

Alburnops 62,  65 

Alburn  ops  blennius 62 

albus.      (Atherinichthys) 180 

Algansea 44 

Algansea  dugesi   45 

Algansea  lacustris 47 

Algansea  rubescens.  . 46 

Algansea  sallasi 45 

Algansea  tarascorum 47 

Algansea  tincella 44 

Algoma  amara .  48 

Algoma  fluviatilis 48 

Alligator  Garpike 6 

altus.      (Hudsonius) 80,  81 

altus.      (Hybopsis) .81,  82 

altus.      (Notropis)    82 

amara.      (Algoma) 48 

amara.      (Dionda)    48 

amara.      (Hybognathus) 49 

Amblodon  neglecttis 203 

amblops.      (Rutilus) 80 

Ameiurus 12 

Ameiurus  dugesi 1 6 

Ameiurus  lupus 14 

Ameiurus  natalis 16 

Ameiurus  pricei 1 6 

americanus.      (Abramis) 57 

Amiurus 12,  14,  16 

Amiurus  affinis 1 1 

Amiurus  australis 13 

Amiurus  catus 15 

Amiurus  dugesi 15 

Amiurus  furcatus 10 

Amiurus  lupus 14,  1 5 

Amiurus  meridionalis 1 1 

Amiurus  mexicanus 15 

Amiurus  natalis   16 

Amiurus  natalis  antoniensis 16 

Amiurus  pricei 16 

Amiurus  punctulatus 18 

Anablepinae 135 

Anableps ._ 135 


237 


238 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


HACK 

Anableps  dovii 136 

Anableps  dowei 136 

Anableps  tetropthalmus 135 

anableps.      (Cobitis) 135 

Anacyrtus  guatemalensis 88 

anale.      (Dorosoma) 93 

Anguilla 90 

Anguilla  chrysypa 90 

Anguilla  tyrannus 90 

anguilla.      (Muraena) 90 

Anguillida? 90 

anisurus.      (Catostomus) 34 

anomalum.      (Campostoma) 42 

anomalus.      (Rutilus) 40,  42 

antoniensis.      (Amiurus  natalis)  ...      16 

Aplesion  pottsii 196 

Aplodinotus 202 

Aplodinotus  grunniens 202,  203 

Apocope 79 

Apocope  carringtoni 79 

Apodes 90 

Apomotis 190,  191 

Apomotis  cyanellus 191 

aquilensi",      (Pomotis) 191 

arge.      (Chirostoma) 171 

arge.      (Eslopsarum)    171 

argentatus.      (Astyanax) 84,  85 

argentatus.      (Pomadasis) 200 

argentatus.  (Tetragonopterus)  ...  85 
argenteus.  (Tetragonopterus)  ....  84 
argentissimus.  (Plagopterus)  ....  83 

Argyreus  notabilis 80 

Argyreus  osculus 80 

Astyanax 84 

Astyanax  argentatus 84,  85 

atchafalayas.      (Signalosa) 94,  95 

Atherina  hvfrnboldtiana 166,  175 

Atherina  menidia 181 

Atherina  vomerina 166,  175 

Atherinella  crystallina 184 

Atherinichthys 166 

Atherinichthys  albus 180 

Atherinichthys  brevis 169 

Atherinichthys  humboldtianus .  ...    175 

Atherinichthys  sallei 181 

Atherinidae 165 

Atherinoides 166 

atherinoides.      (Notropis) 62 

Atractosteus 5,6 

Atractosteus  lucius 6 

Atractosteus  tropicus 7 


PAGE 

atripinnis.      (Goodea)    136,  140 

atronasus.      (Cyprinus) 79 

attenuatum.      (Chirostoma). 172 

auratus.      (Carassius) 37 

aureus.      (Sparus) 193 

aureus.      (Thorichthys) '.  222 

auritus.      (Labrus) 190 

australe.      (Etheostoma) 196,  197 

australis.      (Amiurus)    13 

austrina.      (Myxostoma) 35 

austrinum.     (Moxostoma) 35 

austrinum.      (Myzostoma)    35 

Awaous  mexicanus 233 

Awaous  nelsoni ' .  .  .  232 

Awaous  taiasica 233 

Azteca 59 

azteca.      (Aztecula)   60 

Aztecula 59 

Aztecula  azteca 60 

Aztecula  lermag 60 

Aztecula  mexicana 61 

Aztecula  vittata 59 

aztecus.      (Notropis)    59 

Bagre 9,  10,  n,  14,  18 

Bagre  del  Balsas 17 

Baiostoma .  235 

Baiostoma  brachiale 235 

balsanus.      (Istlarius) 17 

balsanus.      (Melaniris) '.  183 

bartoni.      (Acara) 211 

bartoni.      (Chirostoma) 172 

bartoni.      (Cichlasoma) 211 

Bass,  Black 194 

bayanus.      (Pomadasis)  .• 201 

beani.      (Cichlasoma) 210 

beani.      (Heros)    210 

belizanus.      (Belonesox)    135 

Belone  truncata 160 

Belonesox I3S 

Belonesox  belizanus 135 

Belonida? 160 

berlandieri.      (Lepidosteus) 6 

bernardini.      (Catostomus) 32 

Besugo 1 8,  195 

bilineata.      (Skiffia)   144 

bilineatus.      (Characodon) 144 

bimaculatus.      (Pseudoxiphophorus) 

127, 128 

bimaculatus.     (Xiphophorus) 127 

Black  Bass 194 


INDEX,  VOL.  V. 


PAGE 

Black-nosed  Dace 79 

blennius.      (Alburn  ops) 62 

Bobos 1 88 

Boleosoma  lepida 196,  198 

bonita.      (Gambusia) 132 

Bony-tail 53-54 

boucardi.      (Leuciscus)    62,  67,  68 

boucardi.      (Nototropis)    67 

boucardi.      (Rutilus)   67 

brachiale.      (Baiostoma) 235 

brachyptera.      (Rhamdia) 21 

brama.      (Cyprinus) 56 

brasiliensis.      (Chirostoma) 169 

braytoni.      (Nototropis) 65 

braytoni.      (Notropis) 65 

Bream 56,  57 

brevicaudum.      (Siphostoma) 163 

brevis.      (Atherinichthys) 169 

bubalina.      (Cyprinella) 71 

Buffalo 26 

Burros 200 

butleri.      (Poecilia) 153 

caliente.      (Xenendum) 136,  140 

calientis.      (Goodea) 140 

calientis.      (Nototropis) 65 

calientis.      (Notropis) 65 

Campostoma 40 

Campostoma  anomalum 42 

Campostoma  dubium 42 

Campostoma  formosulum 42 

Campostoma  nasutum 42 

Campostoma  ornatum 41 

Campostoma  pricei 41 

Campostomatinas 40 

cantrainii.      (Tylosurus)    160 

Carassius 37 

Carassius  auratus 37 

Carp 37 

Carpa 37 

carpintis.      (Neetroplus) 221 

carpio.      (Cyprinus)   37 

Carpiodes 25 

Carpiodes  elongatus 28 

Carpiodes  labiosus 29 

Carpiodes  meridionalis 26 

Carpiodes  microstomus 27 

Carpiodes  tumidus 26,  2  7 

Carpiodes  velifer 27 

Carp-like  Fishes 24 

carringtoni.      (Apocope) 79 


239 
PAGE 

Cat,  Channel 10,  1 1 

Cat,  Chuckle-headed   10 

Cat,  White 1 1 

Cat,  Yellow 16 

Catfishes 8 

Catfish,  Tropical 1 1 

Catonotus  fasciatus 197 

Catostomidc-e 24 

Catostominag 30 

Catostomus 29,  30,  31,  33 

Catostomus  anisurus 34 

Catostomus  bernardini 32 

Catostomus  conchos 33 

Catostomus  congestus 34 

Catostomus  cypho 33 

Catostomus  cyprinus 25 

Catostomus  guzmaniensis 30 

Catostomus  nebuliferus 30 

Catostomus  plebeius 30 

Catostomus  sonorensis 32 

catostomus.      (Cyprinus) 31 

catus.      (Amiurus)    15 

Centra.chi6.se 189 

Centropomidae 198 

Centropomus 199 

Centropomus  mexicanus 199 

cephalus.      (Mugil) 185,  186 

cepidianum.      (Dorosoma)    94 

cepidianum.      (Megalops)   92 

Ceratichthys  sallaei 45 

Channel  Cat 10,  1 1 

chapalas.      (Chirostoma)   176 

chapalae.      (Falcula) 58 

Chapalichthys 123 

Chapalichthys  encaustus 123 

Characinae 88 

Characinidas 83 

Characins 83 

Characodon 118,  123 

Characodon  bilineatus 144 

Characodon  eiseni 119 

Characodon  encaustus 123 

Characodon  ferrugineus 120 

Characodon  furcidens 122 

Characod6n  garmani 121, 122,  127 

Characodon  geddesi 1 1 6 

Characodon  lateralis 118,121 

Characodon  luitpoldi 139 

Characodon  multiradiatus 119 

Characodon  variatus 120 

Chatoessus  mexicanus 94.  95 


240  FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

PAGE  PAGE 


Cheonda  modesta -.  55 

Cheonda  nigrescens 55 

chihuahua.      (Nototropis) 67 

chihuahua.      (Notropis) 67 

Chirostoma 166,  175 

Chirostoma  album 180. 

Chirostoma  arge 171 

Chirostoma  attenuatum 172 

Chirostoma  bartoni   172 

Chirostoma  brasiliensis 169 

Chirostoma  chapalae 176 

Chirostoma  crystallinum 178 

Chirostoma  diazi 178 

Chirostoma  estor 166,  180 

Chirostoma  grandocule 176 

Chirostoma  humboldtianum  ...  172,  175 

Chirostoma  jordani 166,  169 

Chirostoma  labarcae 173 

Chirostoma  lerrnae 179 

Chirostoma  lucius 1 78 

Chirostoma  mezquital 170 

Chirostoma  ocotlanse 180 

Chirostoma  patzcuaro 174 

Chirostcaia  promelas 177 

Chirostoma  sphyraena 177 

Chirostoma  zirahuen 174 

Chondrostomatinae 43 

Chonophorus 232 

Chonophorus  mexicanus 233 

Chonophorus  nelsoni 232 

Chonophorus  taiasica 233 

Chromis  nebulifer 220 

Chrysogaster.      (Agosia)   79.  80 

chrysoleucus.      (Abramis) 57 

chrysoleucus.      (Notemigonus)  ....  57 

chrysypa.      (Anguilla) 90 

Chub  of  th*e  Rio  Grande 55 

Chuckle-headed  Cat 10 

Cichlasoma 204,  221,  222 

Cichlasoma  bartoni 211 

Cichlasoma  beani 210 

Cichlasoma  cyanoguttatum 215 

Cichlasoma  deppii 221 

Cichlasoma  eigenmanni 220 

Cichlasoma  evermanni 214 

Cichlasoma  hedricki 208 

Cichlasoma  helleri 223 

Cichlasoma  heterodontum 215 

Cichlasoma  istlanum 212 

Cichlasoma  melanurum 219 

Cichlasoma  mento   207 


Cichlasoma  mojarra 217 

Cichlasoma  montezuma 221 

Cichlasoma  nebulifer 220 

Cichlasoma  octofasciatum 218 

Cichlasoma  parma 218,  220 

Cichlasoma  pavonaceum 209 

Cichlasoma  rectangulare 216 

Cichlasoma  salvini 207 

Cichlasoma  steindachneri   210 

Cichlidae 204 

Cichlids 204 

civilis.      (Hybognathus)    49 

claytoni.      (Gobius)   231 

Clayton's  Goby 231 

Cliola  montiregis 71 

Cobitis  anableps 135 

Cobitis  heteroclitis 106 

Cochlognathus 57 

Cochlognathus  ornatus 57,  58 

Codoma 68 

Codoma  ornata 62,  68 

Codoma  vittata 59 

Common  Eel 90 

Common  Gar  Pike 5 

compressus.      (Hemigrammus)  ....  87 

conchos.      (Catostomus)    33 

confertus.      (Hyborhynchus)    51 

confertus.      (Pimelocephales) 51 

confertus.      (Pimephales)    51 

congestum.      (Moxostoma) 34 

congestum.      (Myzostoma) 34 

congestus.      (Catostomus) 34 

conirostris.      (Pimelodus)   19 

Conorhynchus 19 

Conorhynchus  nelsoni 19 

conspersa.      (Gila)    55 

conspersa.      (Tigoma) 56 

Corvina  oscula 203 

couchi.      (Dionda)    48 

couchi.      (Moniana) 71 

couchiana.      (Limia)    152 

couchiana.      (Poecilia) 152 

Couesius 82 

Couesius  adustus "    82 

Croakers 202 

crocro.       (Pristipoma)  .  .  : 200 

crysoleucas.      (Abramis) 57 

crysoleucas.      (Cyprinus) 57 

crystallina.      (Atherinella)    184 

crystallina.      (Thyrina)   .  : 184 

crystallinum.      (Chirostoma)    178 


INDEX, 

PAGE 

Ctenogobius  . 229,  230 

Ctenogobius  fasciatus 229 

Cuatro  Ojos 135,  136 

cuitzeoensis.      (Zoogoneticus) no 

Culius  sequidens 229 

cupreus.      (Pimelodus) 12 

cyanellus.      (Apomotis) 191 

cyanellus.      (Lepidopomus) 191 

cyanellus.      (Lepomis) 190,  191 

cyanoguttatum.      (Cichlasoma)    ...    215 
cyanoguttatus.      (Herichthys)   .205,215 

cyanoguttatus.      (Heros) 21 5,  218 

Cylindrosteus 5,6 

Cynodonichthys 101 

Cynodonichthys  tenuis   101 

cypho.      (Catostomus) 33 

cypho.      (Xyrauchen) 33 

Cyprinella  bubalina 71 

Cyprinella  macrostoma 72 

Cyprinella  rubripinna 73 

Cyprinidae   36,  53 

Cyprinodon 124 

Cyprinodon  elegans 124,  125 

Cyprinodon  eximius 125,  126 

Cyprinodon  latifasciatus 126 

Cyprinodon  macularius 126 

Cyprinodon  variegatus 124 

Cyprinus 37 

Cyprinus  atronasus 79 

Cyprinus  carpio 37 

Cyprinus  catostomus 31 

Cyprinus  crysoleucas 57 

Cyprinus  brama 56 

Cyprinus  leuciscus 55 

cyprinus.      (Catostomus) 25 

Dace 55 

Dace,  Black-nosed 79 

Dace,  Southern 79 

Dajaus 186 

deppii.      (Cichlasoma) 221 

deppii.      (Heros) 221 

detrusus.      (Gillichthys)    234 

diazi.      (Chirostoma) 178 

diazi.      (Zoogoneticus) 114 

digueti.      (Neomugil) 187,  188 

Dionda 48 

Dionda  amara 48 

Dionda  couchi 48 

Dionda  episcopa 48 

Dioplites  nuecensis 195 


VOL.  V  241 

PAGE 

Diplesion  fasciatus 197 

dolichocephalus.      (Gobius) 233 

dolomieu.      (Micropterus) 194 

Dormitator   227 

Dormitator  gundlachi 227 

Dormitator  maculatus 227 

dormitator.      (Gobiomorus)    226 

dormitatrix.      (Eleotris) 226 

dormitor.      (Philypnus) 226,  227 

dormitor.      (Gobiomorus) 226 

-  Dorosoma 92 

Dorosoma  anale 93 

Dorosoma  cepedianum 94 

Dorosoma  exile 94 

Dorosoma  mexicanum 94 

Dorosoma  notata 92 

Dorosomatidas 92 

dovii.      (Anableps) 136 

dowei.      (Anableps)   136 

Drum,  Fresh-water 203 

Drums,  River 202 

dubium.      (Campostoma)    42 

dugesi.      (Algansea) 45 

dugesi.      (Ameiurus)    16 

dugesi.      (Amiurus)    15 

dugesi.      (Zoogoneticus)    in 

dugesii.      (Adinia)    in 

dugesii.      (Fundulus) in 

dugesii.      (Zoogoneticus) 111 

Eel,  Common 90 

Eel,  Fresh-water 90 

Eels 90 

Eels,  Symbranchoid 89 

eigenmanni.      (Cichlasoma)    220 

eigenmanni.      (Evarra)   77 

eiseni.      (Characodon)   119 

elegans.      (Cyprinodon) 124,  125 

elegans.      (Gila)    53 

Eleotridinae 226 

Eleotris 228 

Eleotris  dormitatrix 226 

Eleotris  maculatus 227 

Eleotris  pictus 229 

Eleotris  pisonis 228 

Eleotris  sima 227 

Eleotris  somnolentus 227 

ellioti.      (Thorichthys) 222,  223 

elongatus.      (Carpiodes) 28 

encaustus.      (Chapalichthys) 123 

encaustus.      (Characodon) 123 


242 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


Epicyrtus  microlepis 

episcopa.      (Dionda) 

episcopa.      (Hybognathus)  .  .  . 
episcopus.      (Hybognathus)   .  . 

Eslopsarum 166 

Eslopsarum  arge 

Eslopsarum  jordani 

Esox  marinus 

Esox  osseus 

Esox  tristcechus 

estor.      (Chirostoma) 166 

estor.      (Lethostole) 

Etheostoma 

Etheostoma  australe 196, 

Etheostoma  flabellare 

Etheostoma  lepidum '..... 

Etheostoma  micropterus 

Etheostoma  pottsii 196, 

Etheostoma  scovelii 

Etheostomatinae 

Eupomotis 189,  190, 

Eupomotis  heros 

EupomoUs  pallidus 

Evarra • 

Evarra  eigenmanni 

Evarra  tlahuacensis 

evermanni.      (Cichlasoma)    

evermanni.      (Thyrina) 

exile.      (Dorosoma)    

eximius.      (Cyprinodon)    125, 

extensus.      (Fundulus) 

Falcula 

Falcula  chapalae 

fasciata.      (Gambusia) 

fasciata.      (Molienesia) 

fasciatus.      (Achirus) 235, 

fasciatus.      (Aplesion) 

fasciatus.      (Catonotus) 

fasciatus.      (Ctenogobius) 

feliceps.      (Galeichthys)  : 

fenestratus.      (Heros) 

ferox.      (Lepisosteus) 

ferrugineus.      (Characodon) 

Fine-scale    Suckers 

Fishes 

Fishes,  Carp-like 

flabellare.      (Etheostoma) 

Flat-head  Minnows 

fluviatilis.      (Algoma)    

fluviatilis.      (Petromyzon) 


PAGE 
88 
48 

49 
48 
,  169 

171 
169 
1 60 

5 
6 

,  180 
1 80 
196 

,iQ7 

196 
198 

197 

,  197 

197 
.196 

,  193 
194 

i93 
77 
77 
78 
214 
184 

94 
1 26 
1 08 

58 
58 
129 

153 
236 

197 
197 
229 

9 
219 

5 

120 

31 
3 

24 
196 

5° 


PAGE 

fonsecensis.   (Achirus) 236 

fonsecensis.   (Solea)  236 

Fontinus 102,  1 08 

forlonensis.      (Nototropis) 70 

formosa.      (Limia)   155 

formosa.      (Mollienesia) 155 

formosa.      (Mollienisia) 155 

formosa.      (Moniana) 74 

formosulum.      (Campostoma) 42 

formosus.      (Limia) 147 

formosus.      (Nototropis) 74 

formosus.      (Notropis) 74 

Four-eyed  Fishes 135 

Four-eyes 136 

fredrichsthali.      (Thorichthys)  ....  222 

Fresh-water  Drum 203 

Fresh-water  Eel 90 

frigida.      (Moniana) 75 

frigidus.      (Nototropis)    75 

frigidus.      (Notropis) 75 

fulgens.      (Tetragonopterus) 85 

Fundulinse 101 

Fundulus 102,  103 

Fundulus  dugesii   in 

Fundulus  extensus 108 

Fundulus  grandis .- .  107 

Fundulus  guatemalensis 103 

Fundulus  heteroclitus 106 

Fundulus  heteroclitus  grandis   ....  107 

Fundulus  labialis 104,  107 

Fundulus  mudfish 102 

Fundulus  oaxacae 104 

Fundulus  pachycephalus 112 

Fundulus  punctatus 104 

Fundulus  robustus 112 

Fundulus  seminolis 102 

Fundulus  similis 105,  106 

Fundulus  vinctus 105 

Fundulus  zebrinus 108 

furcatus.      (Amiurus) 10 

furcatus.      (Ichthyaelurus) 10 

furcatus.      (Ictalurus)   1 1 

furcatus.      (Pimelodus) 10 

furcidens.      (Characodon) 122 

Gadus  lacustris 12 

Galeichthys 9 

Galeichthys  aquadulce 9 

Galeichthys  feliceps 9 

Gambusia 128,  133 

Gambusia  affinis 130,  131 


INDEX, 

PAGE 

Gambusia  bonita 132 

Gambusia  fasciata 129 

Gambusia  gracilis 130 

Gambusia  infans 131 

Gambusia  modesta 153 

Gambusia  nicaraguensis 133 

Gambusia  nobilis 131 

Gambusia  patruelis   131 

Gambusia  plumbea 153 

Gambusia  punctata 128 

Gambusia  senilis 131 

Gambusia  speciosa 131 

Gambusiinae 127 

Gar  Fish 1 60 

garmani.      (Characodon)  ..121,122,127 

garmani.      (Nototropis)  ..  .  .' 73 

garmani.      (Notropis) 73 

Garpike,  Alligator 6 

Garpike,  Short-nosed 6 

Garpike,  Tropical 7 

Garpikes  . . 4,  5 

Gaspergou 203 

gavialis.      (Lepisosteus) 5 

geddesi.      (Characodon) 116 

gibbosa.      (Moniana) 71 

Gila 53 

Gila  conspersa 55 

Gila  elegans 53 

Gila  minacae • 54 

Gila  robusta 53 

Gila  Trout 53 

Gillichthys 234 

Gillichthys  detrusus 234 

Gillichthys  mirabilis 234 

Girardinichthys 115 

Girardinichthys  innominatus 

115.  "6,  119 

Girardinus  occidentalis 150 

Girardinus  pleurospilus 148 

Girardinus  sonorensis 150 

Girardinus  uninotatus 134 

Gizzard  Shad 92 

Glaridichthys 134 

Glaridichthys  latidens 134 

'Glaridodon 134 

Glaridodon  latidens 134 

globiceps.      (Agonostoma) 188 

Gobies 225 

Gobiidas 225 

Gobiinae • 229 


VOL.   V.  243 

PAGE 

Gobiomorus  dormitator 226 

Gobiomorus  dormitor 226 

Gobionellus 231 

Gobionellus  hastatus 229 

Gobio  aestivalis 81 

Gobius 229 

Gobius  claytoni 231 

Gobius  dolichocephalus 233 

Gobius  mexicanus 233 

Gobius  microdon . 231 

Gobius  niger 229 

Gobius  parvus 230 

Gobius  pisonis 228 

Gobius  taiasica 232,  233 

Goby 230 

Golden  Shiner 57 

Gold-fish 37 

Goodea 123,  136 

Goodea  atripinnis 136,  140 

Goodea  calientis 140 

Goodea  luitpoldi 135,  139 

Goodea  toweri 138 

Goodea  whitei 137 

Goodinae 136 

gracilis.      (Gambusia)    130 

gracilis.      (Hybopsis) 80 

gracilis.      (Moniana) 71 

gracilis.      (Ptychocheilus)  ........      52 

gracilis.      (Xiphophorus) 130 

grandis.      (Fundulus) 107 

grandis.      (Fundulus  heteroclitus)  .    107 

grandocule.      (Chirostoma) 176 

Graodus 62 

Graodus  nigrotasniatus 62,  68 

grunniens.      (Aplodinotus)   .  .  .  .202,  203 

grunniens.      (Haploidonotus) 203 

Grunters 199 

Grystes  nuecensis 195 

guatemalensis.      (Adinia) 103 

guatemalensis.      (Anacyrtus) 88 

guatemalensis.      (Fundulus) 103 

guatemalensis.      (Roeboides) 88 

guatemalensis.      (Zoogoneticus)  ...    103 

Guavina 227,  229 

Guavina  Tetard 228 

Guazacones 128 

gundlachi.      (Dormitator) 227 

guntheri.      (Xiphophorus) 157,  158 

guzmaniensis.      (Acomus) 30 

guzmaniensis.      (Catostomus) 30 


244 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

PAGE 


Haemulidae 199 

haplognathus.      (Lepidopomus)  ...    192 

haplognathus.      (Lepomis) 192 

Haploidonotinas   202 

Haploidonotus 202 

Haploidonotus  grunniens   203 

Haplomi 98 

Hard-jaw  Minnow   58 

hastatus.      (Gobionellus) 229 

Haustor 12,  13 

hedricki.      (Cichlasoma)    208 

helleri.      (Ciolilasoma) 223 

helleri.      (Heros) 223 

helleri.      (Thorichthys)    223,  224 

helleri.      (Xiphophorus) 156,  157 

Hemigrammus 87 

Hemigrammus  compressus 87 

Hemigrammus  unilineatus 87 

Herichthys 205 

Herichthys  cyanoguttatus 205,  215 

Heros 205 

Heros  beani 210 

Heros  cyanoguttatus 215,  218 

Heros  deppii 221 

Heros  fenestratus 219 

Heros  helleri 223 

Heros  heterodontus 215 

Heros  istlanus '. 212 

Heros  labridens 211 

Heros  maculipinnis 223 

Heros  melanurus 219 

Heros  men  to ' 207 

Heros  montezuma 221 

Heros  nebulifer 220 

Heros  octof asciatus 218 

Heros  parma 218 

Heros  pavonaceus 209 

Heros  salvini 207 

Heros  severus 205 

Heros  temporatus 215 

heros.      (Eupomotis)   194 

heros.      (Pomotis) 194 

Heterandria 147 

Heterandria  affinis 130 

Heterandria  lutzi .    148 

Heterandria  nobilis   131 

Heterandria  occidentalis 150 

Heterandria  pleurospilus 148 

heteroclitus.      (Cobitis) 106 

heteroclitus.      (grandis,  Fundulus) .    107 


heteroclitus.      (Fundulus) 106       intermedius.     (Leuciscus) 56 


PAGE 

Heterognathus   166 

heterodon.      (Nototropis)   50 

heterodontum.      (Cichlasoma)   ....  215 

heterodontus.      (Heros) 215 

Hickory  Shad 94 

Horned  Pouts 12 

Horny  Heads 80 

Hudsonius  altus 80,  81 

humboldtiana.     (Atherina) .  .  .  .  166,  175 

humboldtianum.   (Chirostoma) .  172,  175 

humboldtianus.      (Atherinichthys) .  175 

humile.      (Pristipoma) 201 

Hybognathus 48 

Hybognathus  amara 49 

Hybognathus  civilis 49 

Hybognathus  episcopa 49 

Hybognathus  episcopus 48 

Hybognathus  melanops 49 

Hybognathus  nuchalis 48 

Hybognathus  punctifer 49 

Hybognathus  rasconis 50 

Hybognathus  serenus 48 

Hybopsis 80 

Hybopsis  aestivalis 81 

Hybopsis  altus 81,  82 

Hybopsis  gracilis   So 

Hyborhynchus  confertus  . .  . 51 

Hydrargyra  similis 105 

Hydrargyra  zebra 108 

Hyperoartii I 

hypselura.      (Rhamdia) 22 

hypselurus.      (Pimelodus) 22 

Ichthyaelurinae 10 

Ichthyaelurus    10,  13 

Ichthyaelurus  furcatus 10 

Ichthyaslurus  meridionalis 1 1 

Ichthyaelurus  punctatus 11,14 

Ichthyobinae 25 

Ichthyobus  tumidus 26 

Ictalurus   10 

Ictalurus  furcatus 1 1 

Ictalurus  meridionalis 12 

Ictalurus  punctatus 10,  1 1 

Ictiobus  meridionalis 26 

Ictiobus  tumidus   26 

infans.      (Gambusia)    131 

innominatus.      (Girardinichthys)  . . 

15.  "6,  119 

intermedia.      (Tigoma)   56 


INDEX,  VOL.   V. 


PAGE 

irideus.      (Salmo) 96 

Isospondyli 92 

Isospondylous  Fishes 92 

istlanum.      (Cichlasoma) .  212 

istlanus.      (Heros)   212 

Istlarius 17 

Istlarius  balsanus 17 

jalapa?.      (Xiphophorus) 156 

jordani.      (Chirostoma) 166,  169 

jordani.      (Eslop^arum) 169 

Joturus 188 

Joturus  pichardi 188 

Juilis 44 

Killifish 106 

Killifishes 98,  102 

labarcae.      (Chirostoma) 173 

labialis.      (Fundulus) 104,  107 

iabiosus.      (Carpiodes) 29 

labridens.      (Heros) 211 

Labrus  auritus 190 

Labrus  pallidus 193 

Labrus  punctatus 204 

Labrus  salmoides 195 

lacustris.      (Algansea) 47 

lacustris.      (Gadus)    12 

Lampetra i 

Lampetra  spadicea 2 

Lampreys i 

lateralis.      (Characodon) 118,  121 

lateralis.      (Philypnus)    226,  227 

laticauda.      (Rhamdia) 21 

laticaudus.      (Pimelodus) 21 

latidens.      (Glaridichthys) 134 

latidens.      (Glaridodon) 134 

latifasciatus.      (Cyprinodon) 126 

latipinna.      (Mollienesia) 155 

latipinna.      (Mollienisia) 154,  155 

latipunctata.      (Pcecilia) 150,  151 

lepida.      (Boleosoma) 196,  198 

Lepidopominae 190 

Lepidopomus 189,  190,  192 

Lepidopomus  cyanellus 191 

Lepidopomus  haplognathus 192 

Lepidopomus  occidentalis 192 

Lepidopomus  pallidus  . 193 

Lepidosteidae 4 

Lepidosteus 5,6 


245 
PAGE 

Lepidosteus  berlandieri 6 

Lepidosteus  osseus 5 

Lepidosteus  platystomus 6 

Lepidosteus  tristoechus 5,6 

Lepidosteus  tropicus 7 

Lepidosteus  viridis ' 7 

lepidus.      (Poecilichthys) .  .    198 

lepidum.      (Etheostoma) 198 

Lepisosteus 5 

Lepisosteus  ferox 5 

Lepisosteus  gavialis 5 

Lepisosteus  osseus 6 

Lepisosteus  platostomus 5,6 

Lepisosteus  tristoechus 7 

Lepisosteus  tropicus 7 

Lepomis 190 

Lepomis  cyanellus 190,  191 

Lepomis  haplognathus 192 

Lepomis  occidentalis 192 

Lepomis  pallidus 193 

Leptops 1 8 

Leptops  olivaris 18 

lermag.      (Aztecula)   60 

lermae.      (Chirostoma) 179 

lermas.      (Notropis) 60 

lermas.      (Skiffia) 141,  142 

Lethostole 166,  177 

Lethostole  estor 180 

Leuciscinas 52 

Leuciscus 55 

Leuciscus  boucardi 62,  67,  68 

Leuciscus  intermedius 56 

Leuciscus  lutrensis 62,  71 

Leuciscus  niger 56 

Leuciscus  nigrescens 55 

Leuciscus  purpureus 56 

Leuciscus  tincella 44 

leuciscus.      (Cyprinus) 55 

limantouri.      (Poecilia) 153 

Limia  couchiana 152 

Limia  formosa 147,  155 

Limia  matamorensis 155 

Limia  venusta 109 

Limnurgus 115 

Limnurgus  variegatus 115,116 

lineata.      (Poscilia) 155 

Lisa 34,  182 

lisa.      (Menidia)   182 

longimanus.      (Thorichthys) 222 

Long-nosed  Garpike 5 

Lophobranchii 162 


246 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY.  VOL.  V. 


PAGE 

Lophobranchs 162 

Lucania 109,  1 16 

Lucania  affinis 109 

Lucania  venusta 109 

lucius.      (Atractosteus) 6 

lucius.      (Chirostoma) 178 

lucius.      (Ptychocheilus) 52 

luitpoldi.      (Characodon) 139 

luitpoldi.      (Goodea)   135,  1 39 

lupus.      (Ameiurus) 14,  15 

lupus.  .  (Amiurus) 14 

lupus.      (Pimelodus)    14 

lutrensis.      (Leuciscus)    62,  71 

lutrensis.      (Nototropis)    71*  73 

lutrensis.      (Notropis) 72 

lutzi.      (Heterandria) 148 

macrostoma.      (Cyprinella) 72 

macrostomus.      (Nototropis) 72 

macrostomus.      (Notropis) 72 

macularius.      (Cyprinodon) 126 

maculata.      (Sciaena)  . 227 

maculatus.      (Dormitator) 227 

macula  las.      (Eleotris)    227 

maculatus.      (Pimelodus) 10 

maculatus.      (Platypoecilus) ...  144,  145 

maculatus.      (Zoogoneticus) 113 

maculipinnis.      (Heros) 223 

Manjuari 6 

marinus.      (Esox) 160 

marinus.      (Tylosurus) 160 

marmoratus.      (Symbranchus) 89 

Marsipobranchii. . i 

matamorensis.      (Limia) 155 

mazatlana.      (Solea) 235 

mazatlanus.      (Achirus) 235 

Megalops  cepedianum 92 

Melaniris 183 

Melaniris  balsanus 183 

melanops.      (Hybognathus) 49 

melanurum.      (Cichlasoma)    219 

melanurus.      (Heros) 219 

Menidia 181 

Menidia  lisa 182 

Menidia  sallei 181 

menidia.      (Atherina) 181 

mento.      (Cichlasoma) 207 

mento.      (Heros) 207 

meridionalis.      (Ameiurus) 1 1 

meridionalis.      (Carpiodes) 26 

meridionalis.      (Ichthycelurus)  ....  n 


PAGE 

meridionalis.      (Ictalurus) 12 

meridionalis.      (Ictiobus)    26 

meridionalis.      (Sclerognathus)    ...  26 

Metalote 26,28 

Metapil 226 

Mexican  Sole 235 

mexicana.      (Aztecula)   61 

mexicana.      (Poecilia)    153 

mexicana.      (Signalosa) 94 

mexicanum.      (Dorosoma) 94 

mexicanus.      (Amiurus) 15 

mexicanus.      (Awaous) 233 

mexicanus.      (Centropomus) 199 

mexicanus.      (Chatoessus)    94,  95 

mexicanus.      (Chonophorus) 233 

mexicanus.      (Gobius) 233 

mexicanus.      (Tetragonopterus) ...  85 

mezquital.      (Chirostoma) 170 

microdon.      (Gobius) 231 

microlepis.      (Epicyrtus) 88 

Micropterinas 194 

Micropterus 194 

Micropterus  dolomieu 194 

Micropterus  salmoides 195 

Micropterus  salmonoides 192,  195 

micropterus.      (Etheostoma) 197 

microstomus.      (Carpiodes) 27 

milneri.      (Nocomis) 82 

minacae.      (Gila) 54 

miniatus.      (Zoogoneticus) 115 

Minnow,  Hard-jaw 58 

Minnows 36,  48 

Minnows,  Flat-head 50 

Minnows,  Pursey 124 

Minomus  platyrhynchus 30 

Minomus  plebeius 30 

mirabilis.      (Gillichthys) 234 

Mixpapatl 137 

modesta.      (Cheonda)    55 

modesta.      (Gambusia) 153 

mojarra.      (Cichlasoma)    217 

Mojarras 204 

Mollienesia 117.  142,  154 

Mollienesia  fasciata 153 

Mollienesia  formosa 155 

Mollienesia  latipinna 155 

Mollienisia 154 

Mollienisia  formosa 155 

Mollienisia  latipinna 154,  155 

Moniana 62,  70 

Moniana  couchi 71 


INDEX,  VOL.  V. 


PAGE 

Moniana  formosa 74 

Moniana  frigida 75 

Moniana  gibbosa 71 

Moniana  gracilis 71 

Moniana  nitida 65 

Moniana  rutila 71 

montezuma.      (Cichlasoma) 221 

montezuma.      (Heros) 221 

montezumae.      (Xiphophorus)   ....  158 

monticola.      (Agonostoma) 186 

monticola.      (Agonostomus)  ...186,187 

monticola.      (Mugil) 186 

'    montiregis.      (Cliola) 71 

Mountain  Suckers 30 

Moxostoma 34 

Moxostoma  austrinum 35 

Moxostoma  congestum 34 

Muchura 233 

Mud-cat 1 8 

mudfish.      (Fundulus) 102 

Mugil 185 

Mugil  cephalus 185,  186 

Mugil  monticola 186 

Mugilidas, 185 

Mugilinag 185 

Mullets 185 

multipunctata.      (Skiffia) 141 

multipunctatum.      (Xenendum)   .  .  141 

multiradiatus.      (Characodon)  ....  119 

Muraena  anguilla 90 

Mylopharodontinae 51 

Myxostoma  austrina 35 

Myzostoma 34 

Myzostoma  austrinum 35 

Myzostoma  congestum 34 

nasutum.      (Agonostoma) 187 

nasutum.      (Campostoma)   42 

nasutus.      (Agonostomus) 187 

natalis.      (Ameiurus) 16 

natalis.      (Amiurus) 16 

natalis  antoniensis.      (Amiurus)  ...  16 

natalis.      (Pimelodus)    12,16 

nazas.      (Nototropis) 70 

nebulifer.      (Chromis)   220 

ncbulifer.      (Cichlasoma) 220 

nebulifer.      (Heros)   220 

nebuliferus.      (Catostomus)    30 

Needle  Fishes 160 

Neetroplus 215,  221 

Neetroplus  carpintis 221 


247 
PAGE 

Neetroplus  nematops 221 

neglectus.      (Amblodon) 203 

nelsoni.      (Awaous)    232 

nelsoni.      (Chonophorus) 232 

nelsoni.      (Conorhynchus) 19 

nelsoni.      (Platypoecilus) 147 

Nematognathi 8 

nematops.      (Neetroplus)   221 

Neomugil 187 

Neomugil  digueti „ 187,  188 

nicaraguensis.      (Gambusia) 133 

nicaraguensis.      (Paragambusia) . .  .  133 

niger.      (Gobius) 229 

niger.      (Leuciscus) ".  .  56 

nigrescens.      (Cheonda) 55 

nigrescens.      (Leuciscus) 55 

nigrescens.      (Tigoma) 55 

nigrotagniatus.      (Groadus) 62,  68 

nigrotseniatus.      (Notropis) 68 

nitida.      (Moniana) 65 

nitfdus.      (Tetragonopterus) 85 

nobilis.      (Gambusia) 131 

nobilis.      (Heterandria) 131 

Nocomis  milneri .' 82 

notabilis.      (Argyreus) 80 

notata.      (Dorosoma) 92 

Notemigonus 57 

Notemigonus  chrysoleucus 57 

Nototropis 62,  75 

Nototropis  boucardi 67 

Nototropis  braytoni 65 

Nototropis  calientis 65 

Nototropis  chihuahua 67 

Nototropis  forlonensis 70 

Nototropis  formosus 74 

Nototropis  frigidus 75 

Nototropis  garmani 73 

Nototropis  heterodon 50 

Nototropis  lutrensis 71,  73 

Nototropis  macrostomus 72 

Nototropis  nazas 70 

Nototropis  orca 69 

Nototropis  ornatus 68 

Nototropis  robustus 66 

Nototropis  santamaria? 74 

Nototropis  santarosalias 75 

Notropis 62 

Notropis  altus 82 

Notropis  atherinoides 62 

Notropis  aztecus 59 

Notropis  braytoni ,65 


248 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 


PAGE 

Notropis  calientis 65 

Notropis  chihuahua 67 

Notropis  formosus 74 

Notropis  frigidus 75 

Notropis  garmani 73 

Notropis  lermae 60 

Notropis  lutrensis 72 

Notropis  macrostomus 72 

Notropis  nigrotaeniatus 68 

Notropis  orca 62,  69 

Notropis  ornatus 68 

Notropis  rasconis 50 

Notropis  robustus 66 

Notropis  santamariae 75 

Notropis  santarosalias 75 

nuchalis.      (Hybognathus) 48 

nuecensis.      (Dioplites) 195 

nuecensis.      (Grystes)    195 

oaxacas.      (Fundulus) 104 

oaxacae.      (Rhamdia) 20 

oaxacanensis.      (Tetragonopterus) .      86 

occidentalis.      (Girardinus) 150 

occidentalis.      (Heterandria)    150 

occidentalis.      (Lepidopomus)   ....    192 

occidentalis.      (Lepomis) 192 

occidentalis.      (Pcecilia) 150 

ocotlanas.      (Chirostoma) 180 

octofasciatum.      (Cichlasoma) 218 

octofasciatus.      (Heros) 218 

Ojos,  Cuatro 135,  136 

Oligocephalus 196,  198 

olivaris.      (Leptops) 18 

olivaris.      (Silurus) 18 

orca.      (Nototropis) 69 

orca.      CNotropis) 62,  69 

Orcella 62,  69 

Orestiinae 118 

ornata.      (Codorna) 62,  68 

ornatum.      (Campostoma)    41 

ornatus.      (Cochlognathus) 57,  58 

ornatus.      (Nototropis) 68 

ornatus.      (Notropis) 68 

oscula.      (Agosia) 80 

oscula.      (Corvina) 203 

osculus.      (Argyreus) 80 

osseus.      (Esox)    5 

osseus.      (Lepidosteus)    -.        5 

osseus.      (Lepisosteus) 6 

ouananiche.      (Salmo) 96 

pachycephalus.      (Adinia) 112 


PAGE 
112 


pachycephalus.      (Fundulus)... 

pachycephalus.      (Zoogoneticus)  .  .  112 

pallidus.      (Eupomotis) 193 

pallidus.      (Labrus) 193 

pallidus.      (Lepidopomus) 193 

pallidus.      (Lepomis) 193 

Pantosteus 30 

Pantosteus  plebeius 30 

Paragambusia 133 

Paragambusia  nicaraguensis 133 

Pargeta 227 

parma.      (Gichlasoma) 218,  220 

parma.      (Heros)    218 

parvus.      (Gobius) 230 

patruelis.      (Gambusia) 131 

patzcuaro.      (Chirostoma) 174 

pauciradiatus.      (Pseudoxiphoph- 

orus)   128 

pavonaceum.      (Cichlasoma)    209 

pavonaceus.      (Heros) 209 

pelagicus.      (Syngnathus) 162 

Perches 196 

Percidas 196 

Pescada  Blanca 81 

Pescadito 55 

Petonte 14 

Petromyzon  fluviatilis i 

Petromyzontidae i 

Phenacobius 76 

Phenacobius  scopifer 76,  77 

Phenacobius  teretulus 76 

Philypnus 226 

Philypnus  dormitor   226,  227 

Philypnus  lateralis 226,  227 

pichardi.      (Joturus)    188 

pictus.      (Eleotris) 229 

Pike-like  Fishes 98 

pilosa.      (Solea) 235 

Pimelocephales 50 

Pimelocephales  confertus 51 

Pimelodinas 19 

Pimelodus  affinis 10 

Pimelodus  brachypterus .  21 

Pimelodus  conirostris 19 

Pimelodus  cupreus 12 

Pimelodus  furcatus 10 

Pimelodus  hypselurus 22 

Pimelodus  laticaudus 21 

Pimelodus  lupus 14 

Pimelodus  maculatus 10 

Pimelodus  natalis 12,16 


INDEX, 

PAGE 

Pimelodus  quelen 20 

Pimelodus  wagneri 22 

Pimephales 50 

Pimephales  confertus 51 

Pimephales  promelas 50,  51 

Pipe  Fishes 162 

Pisces  3 

pisonis.      (Eleotris)    228 

pisonis.      (Gobius) 228 

Plagopterinae 83 

Plagopterus 83 

Plagopterus  argentissimus 83 

platostomus.      (Lepisosteus) 5,6 

Platypcecilus 144 

Platypoecilus  maculatus 144,  145 

Platypoecilus  nelsoni 147 

Platypoecilus  quitzeoensis no 

Platypoecilus  variatus 146 

platyrhynchus.      (Minomus) 30 

platystomus.      (Lepidosteus) 6 

plebeius.      (Catostomus) 30 

plebeius.      (Minomus) '. 30 

plebeius.      (Pantosteus)    30 

Plectospondyli 24 

pleurospilus.      (Girardinus) 148 

pleurospilus.      (Heterandria) 148 

plumbea.     (Gambusia) 153 

Poecilia 149 

Pcecilia  butleri 150 

Poecilia  couchiana 152 

Pcecilia  latipunctata 150,  151 

Poecilia  limantouri 153 

Pcecilia  lineata 155 

Pcecilia  mexicana 153 

Pcecilia  occidentalis' 153 

Poecilia  presidionis 152 

Poecilia  sphenops 153 

Pcecilia  vivipara 149 

Pcecilichthys  lepidus 198 

Pceciliidae 98 

Pceciliinae 144 

Pcecilioides 127 

Pomadasis  argentatus 200 

Pomadasis  bayanus 201 

Pomadasys 200 

Pomadasys  bayanus 201 

Pomadasys  starri 200 

Pomadasys  templei 201 

Pomotis  aquilensis 191 

Pomotis  heros 194 

Pomotis  speciosus 193 


VOL.  V.  249 

PAGE 

Popoche 43 

popoche.      (Xystrosus) 43 

pottsii.      (Aplesion) 196 

pottsii.      (Etheostoma) 196,  197 

Pouts,  The  Horned 12 

presidionis.      (Poecilia)    152 

pricei.      (Ameiurus) 16 

pricei.      (Amiurus) 16 

pricei.      (Campostoma) 41 

pricei.      (Villarius) 16 

Prinodon 124 

Pristipoma  crocro 200 

Pristipoma  humile 201 

promelas.      (Chirostoma)    177 

promelas.      (Pimephales)   50,  51 

Pseudoxiphophorus 127, 

Pseudoxiphophorus  bimaculatus 

127,  128 

Pseudoxiphophorus  pauciradiatus..  128 

Ptychocheilus 52 

Ptychocheilus  gracilis 52 

Ptychocheilus  lucius 52 

Ptychostomus  albidus 34 

Pujeque 233 

pulchella.      (Tigoma) 55 

pulchra.      (Tigoma) 55 

punctata.      (Gambusia) 128 

punctatus.      (Fundulus) 104 

punctatus.      (Ichthyaslurus) n,  14 

punctatus.      (Ictalurus) 1 1 

punctatus.      (Labrus)   204 

punctatus.      (Silurus)    1 1 

punctifer.      (Hybognathus)    49 

punctulatus.      (Amiurus)   18 

Punecas 227 

purpuratus.      (Salmo) 97 

purpureus.      (Leuciscus) 56 

Pursey  Minnows 124 

quelen.      (Pimelodus)    20 

quitzeoensis.      (Platypcecilia) 109 

quitzeoensis.      (Platypoecilus)   ....  no 

quitzeoensis.      (Zoogoneticus)   ....  in 

Rafinesquiellus 196,  197 

Rainbow  Trout 96 

rasconis.      (Hybognathus)    5° 

rasconis.      (Notropis) 50 

Razor-back  Suckers 33 

rectangulare.      (Cichlasoma) 216 

rectangularis.      (Acara) 216 


25° 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN 


Red-horse  Suckers 34 

Rhamdia 20 

Rhamdia  hypselura 22 

Rhamdia  laticauda 21 

Rhamdia  oaxacae 20 

Rhamdia  wagneri 22 

Rhinichthys 79 

Rhinichthys  simus 79 

Rhomboganoidea 4 

Rhonciscus 200 

River  Drums 202 

Robaio 198,  199 

robusta.      *Gila) 53 

robustus.      (Fundulus)    112 

robustus.      (Nototropis)   66 

robustus.      (Notropis) 66 

robustus.      (Zoogoneticus).ii2,  113,  121 

Rceboides 88 

Roeboides  guatemalensis 88 

rostratus.      (Thorichthys) 222 

rubescens.      (Algansea) 46 

rubripinna.      (Cyprinella) 73 

rutila.      (Moniana) 71 

Rutilus  amblops 80 

Rutiius  anoaialus 40,  42 

Rutilus  boucardi 67 

Sac-a-Lait 105 


salar.      (Salmo) 95.  96 

sallaei.      (Algansea) 45 

sallaei.      (Ceratichthys)   45 

sallei.      (Atherinichthys) 181 

sallei.      (Menidia) 181 

Salmichi 67 

Salmo 95 

Salmo  irideus 96 

Salmo  ouanahiche 96 

Salmo  purpuratus 97 

Salmo  salar 95. 96 

Salmo  sebago 96 

salmoides.      (Labrus) 195 

salmoides.      (Micropterus) 195 

Salmon 95 

Salmon*  White 52 

Salmonidse 95 

Salmoninae 95 

salmonoides.      (Micropterus)   ..192,195 

salvini.      (Cichlasoma) 207 

salvini.      (Heros)   207 

santamaria;.      (Nototropis) 74 

santamarise.      (Notropis) 74 


MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  V. 

PAGE  PAGE 

santarosaliae.      (Nototropis) 75 

santarosaliae.      (Notropis) 75 

Sarcidium 76 

Sarcidium  scopiferum 76 

Sardina 58 

Sciaena  maculata 227 

Sciaena  undecimalis 199 

Scisenidae 202 

Sclerognathus  meridionalis 26 

scopifer.      (Phenacobius) 76,  7  7 

scopiferum.      (Sarcidium) 76 

scovelii.      (Etheostoma)   197 

sebago.      (Salmo) 96 

seminolis.      (Fundulus) 102 

senilis.      (Gambusia) 131 

serenus.      (Hybognathus) 48 

severus.      (Heros) 205 

Shad,  Gizzard 92,  94 

Shad,  Hickory 94 

Shiner,  Golden 57 

Shiners 62 

Short-nosed  Garpike ,  .  6 

Signalosa 94 

Signalosa  atchafalayse 94.  95 

Signalosa  mexicana 94 

signifer.      (Stypodon) 51 

Siluridae 8 

Silurus  olivaris 18 

Silurus  punctatus 1 1 

Silurus  viscosus 1 8 

Silvery  Minnows 48 

sima.      (Eleotris)   .  .  .< 227 

similis.      (Fundulus)    105,  106 

similis.      (Hydragyra) 105 

simus.      (Rhinichthys) 79 

Siphostoma 162 

Siphostoma  brevicandum 163 

Siphostoma  starksi 163 

Skiffia 141 

Skiffia  bilineata 144 

Skiffia  lermae 141,  142 

Skiffia  multipunctata 141 

Skiffia  variegata 143 

Sleeper 228 

Solea  achirus 236 

Solea  fonsecensis 236 

Solea  mazatlana 235 

Solea  pilosa 235 

Soleidae 234 

Soles 234 

somnolentus.      (Eleotris) 227 


INDEX, 

PAGE 

sonorensis.      (Catostomus) 32 

sonorensis.      (Girardinus) 150 

Southern  Dace 79 

spadicea.      (Lampetra) 2 

Sparus  aureus 193 

speciosa.      (Gambusia)    131 

speciosus.      (Pomotis) 193 

sphenops.      (Poecilia) 153 

sphyrasna.      (Chirostoma) 177 

Spiny-rayed  Fishes 164 

starksi.      (Siphostoma) 163 

starri.      (Pomadasys) 200 

steindachneri.      (Cichlasoma) 210 

Stone-roller 42 

Stypodon 51 

Stypodon  signifer  51 

Suckers 24 

Suckers,  Fine-scaled 31 

Suckers,  Mountain 30 

Suckers,  Razor-back 33 

Suckers,  Red-horse 34 

Sunfish 192 

Sunfishes 189 

Symbranchia 89 

Symbranchidag 89 

Symbranchoid  Eels 89 

Symbranchus 89 

Symbranchus  marmoratus 89 

Synentognathi 160 

Syngnathidae 162 

Syngnathus  pelagicus 162 

Tachysurinae 9 

taiasica.      (Awaous) 233 

taiasica.      (Chonophorous) 233 

taiasica.      (Gobius) 232,  233 

tarascorum.      (Algansea) 47 

telfairii.      (Agonostomus) 186 

templei.      (Pomasys) 201 

temporatus.      (Heros) 215 

tenuis.      (Cynodonichthys) 101 

teretulus.      (Phenacobius) 76 

Tetard,  Guavina 228 

Tetragonopterinae 84 

Tetragonopterus 84 

Tetragonopterus  aeneus 86 

Tetragonopterus  argenteus 84 

Tetragonopterus  argentatus 85 

Tetragonopterus  fulgens 85 

Tetragonopterus  mexicanus 85 

Tetragonopterus  nitidus 85 


VOL.  V.  251 

PAGE 

Tetragonopterus  oaxacanensis  ....  86 

tetropthalmus.      (Anableps) 135 

Thorichthys 222 

Thorichthys  affinis 222 

Thorichthys  aureus 222 

Thorichthys  ellioti    222,  223 

Thorichthys  fredrichsthali 222 

Thorichthys  helleri 223,  224 

Thorichthys  longimanus 222 

Thorichthys  rostratus 222 

Thyrina 184 

Thyrina  crystallina 184 

Thyrina  evermanni 184 

Tigorna  conspersa 56 

Tigoma  intermedia 56 

Tigoma  nigrescens 55 

Tigoma  pulchella 55 

Tigoma  pulchra 55 

tincella.      (Algansea) 44 

tincella.      (Leuciscus)    44 

tlahuacensis.      (Evarra)    78 

Torrentaria 196,  197 

toweri.      (Goodea) 138 

tristoechus.      (Esox) 6 

tristoechus.      (Lepidosteus) 5,6 

tristoechus.      (Lepisosteus) 6 

Tropical  Catfish 1 1 

Tropical  Garpike 7 

tropicus.      (Atractosteus) .  7 

tropicus.      (Lepidosteus) 7 

tropicus.      (Lepisosteus) 7 

Trout 95 

Trout,  Gila 53 

Trout,  Rainbow 96 

Trucha 186 

truncata.      (Belone) 160 

tumidus.      (Carpiodes) 26,  27 

tumidus.      (Ichthyobus) 26 

tumidus.      (Ictiobus) 26 

Tylosurus 160 

Tylosurus  cantrainii 1 60 

Tylosurus  marinus 160 

tyrannus.      (Anguilla) 90 

undecimalis.      (Sciama) 199 

unilineatus.      (Hemigrammus) 87 

uninotatus.      (Girardinus) 134 

variatus.      (Characodon) 120 

variatus.      (Platypoecilus) 146 

variegata.      (Skiffia) 143 


252 


FIELD  COLUMBIAN  MUSEUM — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.   V. 


PAC;E 

variegatus.      (Cyprinodon) 124 

variegatus.      (Limnurgus) 115,116 

velifer.      (Carpiodes) 27 

venusta.      (Limia) 109 

Villarius  price! 16 

vinctus.      (Fundulus) 105 

viridis.      (Lepidosteus)   7 

viscosus.      (Silurus) :  .  18 

vittata.      (Aztecula) 59 

vittata.      (Codoma) 59 

vivipara.      (Poecilia)   149 

vomerina.      (Atherina) 166,  175 

wagneri.      (Pimelodus)   22 

wagneri.      (Rhamdia)   22 

Western  Sunfish 192 

White  Cat 1 1 

White  Salmon 52 

whitei.      (Goodea)   137 

xaliscone.      (Xenendum) 139 

Xenendum 136 

Xenendum  caliente 136,  140 

Xenendum  multipunctatum 141 

Xenendum  xaliscone 139 

Xiphophorus 156 

Xiphophorus  bimaculatus 127 

Xiphophorus  gracilis 130 


PAGE 

Xiphophorus  guntheri 157,  158 

Xiphophorus  helleri 156,  157 

Xiphophorus  jalapae 156 

Xiphophorus  montezumae 158 

Xyrauchen 33 

Xyrauchen  cypho 33 

Xystrosus 43 

Xystrosus  popoche 43 

Yellow  Cat 16 

Yuriria  . .  80 


zebra.      (Hydrargyra)   108 

zebrinus.      (Fundulus) 108 

zirahuen.      (Chirostoma) 174 

Zoogoneticus 104,  109 

Zoogoneticus  cuitzeoensis no 

Zoogoneticus  diazi 114 

Zoogoneticus  dugesi in 

Zoogoneticus  dugesii .  in 

Zoogoneticus  guatemalensis 103 

Zoogoneticus  maculatus 113 

Zoogoneticus  miniatus 115 

Zoogoneticus  pachycephalus ...:..  112 

Zoogoneticus  quitzeoensis .  in 

Zoogoneticus  robustus 112,  113,  121 

Zy  gonectes 118 


